Whether you're into bull riding, wrestling, mini-chuckwagon races or just some good old fashioned midway rides, the Cochrane fair has something for all tastes and ages.
The main event for Friday night's feature entertainment will be professional wrestling. Canadian Wrestling's Elite will showcase an impressive night of live wrestling. At 7 p.m you can Meet and Greet the stars of CWE (special tickets required), then at 8 p.m. the wrestling matches will get underway in the squared circle, all to be followed by a DJ and beer gardens (ID mandatory).
Saturday night's feature entertainment will be the 19th annual Cochrane Bull Riding Classic (special tickets required). With 30 of the world's top bull riders, Jason Borton is pulling out all the stops at this year's event. Gates will open at 6 p.m. with the riding getting started at 7 p.m. followed by dance and beer gardens featuring the Blake Reid Band.
Outdoor arena events will include:
- Mini-Chuckwagon races on all three days. This year's lineup of teams include Cochrane Toyota, Spray Lake Sawmills, Super 8, Pet Valu, JLL, Cochrane Nissan, Gimber Graphics, Trico Homes.
- Mutton Busting on Friday at 5 p.m., Saturday at 11 a.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. This event is free with the purchase of an admission ticket, spots are limited so pre-register. Helmets are mandatory and children must weigh 60 lbs and be 7 or under.
- Team Roping Jackpot on Saturday at 2 p.m. Head on in and cheer on your favourite team.
- Wild Angel Trick Riders will show off their incredible athletic skills on their speedy horses.
- Horse and Rider showcase on Saturday and Sunday.
- Extreme Cowboy Alberta Races all day Sat and Sun. Horses and riders show off their riding capability while faced with obstacles and racing against the clock.
If you need to take a breather from one of the exciting events above, a good way to do so is by heading into the market place. There will be vendors, exhibitors and tons of shopping. There will also be entertainment so make sure you don't miss The Reptile Show, children's art and craft activities, face painting, roaming entertainers and an area to get off your feet and relax. If you have a little one, no worries, there is a changing area and seating for nursing moms. The Market Place is open Friday from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
All the pet lovers out there won't want to miss the Pet Valu Pet Show on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. If you think your mutt has what it takes to win one of these classes: Best Costume, Pets got talent, Catch the treats, then sign them up for one or all three. It's free entry with great prizes. Entries will be accepted until Aug. 18 at 10 a.m.
Last but not least, you won't want to miss the 51st Annual Old Tyme Bench Exhibition presented by the Bearspaw and District Community Fair Association. The theme this year is Bears and Berries. You can enter anything from Flower Arrangements to Cultivated Small Fruit to Hay. There really is something for everyone. Check out www.bearspawfair.com for more information about the categories.
The fair will kick-off at 4 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets will be $10 per person and free for the littles five and under. If you would like to save some cash, you can purchase tickets beforehand online at Eventbrite or at The Venue, Tony's Western Wear or Dry-cleaning by Dave in town. Keep in mind, general admission is for one-day only and all other special events, as well as the evening dances, will run you an additional cost.
