The Cochrane Light Up is back for another year.
The annual Cochrane Light Up will be taking place on Nov. 23 in Historic Downtown Cochrane in order to usher in the Christmas season around town.
The community and invited guests will turn out to watch the lighting of the 30 ft. Christmas tree and other festivities, including roaming entertainers, Christmas carols, a visit from Santa, the Mrs. Claus shopping area for kids, ice carvings, hayrides, kid's crafts, and complimentary hot chocolate and hot dogs served around the firepots. The evening will be capped off with fireworks by GlobalFest (dependent on snow cover for safety reasons). Food bank donations are gratefully accepted for the Activettes’ Share Your Christmas campaign.
Remember to dress warmly so cold toes don’t dampen the warm feelings you’re sure to enjoy.
"This year's light up is shaping up to be a great festival with lots of changes and surprises for everyone. Some of our big changes are there will not be fire pots lining the street as it has been in the past but the mayor and council will not have you cold. They are bringing a mega fire pit. We have also gotten approval from our fire department to allow 4 smaller fire pots to be located along the street," said organizer Stepenie Shelstad.
"Another big change is to allow some smaller businesses to participate we will have tables with just hot chocolate or hotdogs. There are still businesses still doing both, but most are doing only one or the other. Entertainment will not be a disappointment for any age with face painters, crafts, sparkle tattoos, stilt walkers, roaming choirs and characters and as always hayrides. This year our biggest change is the lighting of the tree. In previous years we have lit the big tree on the roof of Rexall at the beginning of the festival. This year we will be wrapping up the festival lighting the tree and we have some surprises planned for that also."
"Due to the nature of our surprises we are strongly advising families of dogs to please leave them at home. Especially if they are scared of thunder or loud noises. Don’t worry where the best spot to be at the time of the tree lighting. You will not miss it from anywhere. When entering the barricaded area this year you will be given tickets. These tickets are to be placed into buckets at each food station and counted towards the Best Hot Chocolate or Top Hot Dog. Make sure to vote for your favourite."
Shelstad said the event is still looking for volunteers to help out.
"We are still desperately needing volunteers for the event to be run successfully. Our event can not go ahead without volunteers keeping it safe and flowing. If you are a sports team or small group looking to get involved please email us at
[email protected] or call me at 403-463-4226. We will be giving a small token of appreciation to all volunteers," she said.
"This event will be kicking off the Activettes Share Your Christmas campaign and will be collecting non-perishable food items or new toys. Look for the ladies with the lit-up shopping carts or stop by to see Santa and drop off there. Also this year Bighill Haven will be on site selling 50/50 tickets so let’s help them sell out."
