COCHRANE— Embracing cautious optimism, the Cochrane & District Ag Society is making tentative plans for the 2021 Cochrane Fair.
The Fair has taken place in rain, shine and snow and organizers are looking forward to finding a way to bring COVID-safe fun to the community during the pandemic, said board member and chair for the Cochrane Fair Leslie Hunt.
The Fair will be running from Aug. 21 and Aug. 22, Hunt said, but will look different compared to previous years.
“It all depends on what happens with those COVID numbers,” Hunt said. “People in Cochrane want to come out and we want to support them."
It has been unpredictable planning for the event because it is hard to know what the future holds and what activities will be kosher, she said.
Based on the promised distribution of vaccines to every adult who wants one by the end of June they are hopefully case numbers will be down in time for August.
“Depending on which way they go that will dictate what we can and can’t do,” Hunt said.
The goal is to keep it simple and add on festivities based on what is allowed under provincial health measures.
She is cautiously optimistic for this year's event, Hunt said, and they are planning for a more scaled-back celebration.
The Cochrane Fair is celebrating its eighth annual event this year, said general manager of the Ag Society Molly Sapergia, and it has become an annual event people look forward to.
While the celebrations will more low-key in comparison to previous events, mutton busting, bull riding, mini chuckwagons and the Mini Thni dancers from Stoney Nakoda First Nation will be included in the festivities. Food trucks will also be on site.
A highlight of the event will be Extreme Cowboy Alberta.The group has built an obstacle course on the southeast side of the Ag Society grounds.
The Classic Bull Riding is celebrating its 20th anniversary and are looking forward to celebrating the western spirit on the big screen once again during the Fair.
She noted as of now there are no plans for a midway or marketplace at the 2021 Cochrane Fair.
All events will be held outside and as of now will be restricted to a 200 people capacity limit. Capacity can expand if health measures are eased.
It has been a different experience planning for the 2021 Cochrane Fair, as they typically begin planning nearly a year in advance of the event. This has not been possible during the pandemic.
“It’s been a tough year for everyone— It would be nice to have an event where people could get out,” Sapergia said. “If everything should open up, we can always add."
If measures are eased The Ag Society is hoping to bring in additional entertainment including buskers, stunt bikes, the Superdogs and a dance Saturday evening. If health measures are even further lifted a petting zoo, games and farm alley could also be added.
To help ensure the Fair finds success, the Ag Society is looking for Cochrane Fair sponsors. Sapergia said packages are available and are flexible to reflect the unpredictable nature of COVID-19.
If the Fair is forced to cancel due to COVID-19 restrictions sponsorships will be refunded.
She noted admission for the event has not been set and will be released closer to the Fair in August.
“Everyone seems really supportive so far and really wants something to happen,” Sapergia said.
