Since its charter as an agricultural society in 1973, the Cochrane Ag Society has grown leaps and bounds as the ‘hub for all things horse’ in this western foothills town.
Equine sporting groups and even non-equine groups (such as the recent Zombie Survivor) from across the province utilize the facilities on the expansive 130-acre agricultural grounds that overlook Cochrane — located on the NW corner of the Hwy 1A and 22 intersection.
“It’s a family affair,” laughed Isabel Gimber, one of the 12 volunteer directors who commit time to ensure that the not-for-profit society can achieve its mandate: ‘to promote community engagement through the provision of equine sport and youth activity’.
“…It’s an oasis in the middle of town — Cochrane’s gem. It’s a hub of activity, filled with community spirit and plenty of new opportunities,” said Gimber, adding that from a distance the grounds appear rather unassuming — with up to four simultaneous events from across the equine spectrum ongoing and no evidence of it from highway passersby.
Although not officially recognized as an agricultural society until 42 years ago, Gimber notes that the history of the society in some way, shape or form dates back to 1910.
The former agriculture grounds were located where the current Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre now exists.
“When they began to dig the pool, they dug up the last remnants of the old racetrack,” noted Gimber.
The promotion and preservation of western heritage and bridging the rural/urban interface is essential to the future growth of the Ag Society — which is why the society has decided to run its third annual fair, the 2015 Cochrane Fair Aug. 21-23, in conjunction with the 47th annual Old Tyme Bench Exhibition (formerly known as the Cochrane and District Old Tyme Country Fair) Aug. 23.
Gimber said the board is really excited to infuse their equine hub with the rural/agricultural offerings that are the heart of the tradition of the Old Tyme Exhibition.
“Our goal is to continue promoting more of the rural/agricultural/ranching elements of Cochrane and area into the society.”
The annual Cochrane Fair will feature entertainment and food from local talent and producers and a midway with plenty of children’s entertainment offerings.
The Ag Society offers a number of indoor/outdoor facilities available for rent, including a barn that doubles as a commercial space for rent, two outdoor riding arenas, an indoor arena and warm-up ring and heated stables.
The members of the five staple user groups that operate out of the Ag Society — Cochrane BMX Association, Cochrane Pony Club, Big Hill West Light Horse 4-H Club, Cochrane Roping Club and Cochrane Horse Trials — have donated countless hours to help build and develop the facilities and courses on the grounds.
“What we’re trying to do is provide first-class facilities at a reasonable rate for our community,” said Gimber, adding that all the money raised from events goes back into the society; to date, the society is volunteer-run, with only one permanent, full-time staff member.
“In five years, our goal is to be a really active part of the community — we feel that the annual fair (which began in 2013 to celebrate the society’s 40th anniversary) has really heightened our presence.”
Learn more at cochraneagsociety.com.
