The annual Cochrane Labour Day Parade, to be held Sept. 2, may seem like a long way away, but registration is already open for local groups and businesses looking to participate in the end-of-summer action.
At this point, there are 21 entries already registered for the parade, which is presented by the community of Riversong. Among these 21, content director Monique Shatosky said there are nearly 300 people, 41 horses and one bull.
Currently, entries range from antique cars, to the Band of the Irish Guards, who will be flying over from the United Kingdom to march the streets of Cochrane.
The Cochrane Lions have been named marshals for the annual event, in celebration of their upcoming 50th anniversary.
This year the event will limit itself to 100 entries.
“We needed to cap it, just so it’s not so long this year,” said Shatosky. “We want it to be a small-town style parade, so we’re limiting it to about 45-60 minutes in length.”
The deadline for registering for the Cochrane Labour Day Parade is July 31. Not-for-profit organizations can register free of charge, while commercial entries will be charged a registration fee of $100.
Applications can be found online at cochraneparade.com. Hard copies can be dropped off at Bay 8, 206-5th Ave. W.
In addition to parade registration, the parade committee has also re-opened their Adopt-a-Barricade initiative.
With at least one person required to stand at each barricade to ensure no one passes through into the parade route, Brooks Tower suggested area groups use the barricades as a chance to reach out to the community — dressing the barricade up in company colours or handing out goodies, for instance.
“It’s a great opportunity for businesses and organizations to come out, wear costumes or uniforms, and interact with the people watching the parade,” said Tower, acting chair of the event.
Prices for the Adopt-a-Barricade project vary according to the location of the roadblock.
To learn more about sponsoring the barricades or to purchase a space for your organization, contact Tower at 403-542-5538.
