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Sawmill steps up to support annual Cochrane Fair

Spray Lake Sawmills is the horse that has taken the lead in the way of donations for the coming fifth annual Cochrane Fair. The local lumber kings are donating $15,000 to the Aug.
Yasmin Mayne
Yasmin Mayne

Spray Lake Sawmills is the horse that has taken the lead in the way of donations for the coming fifth annual Cochrane Fair.

The local lumber kings are donating $15,000 to the Aug. 18 to 20 weekend event that will also host the annual Cochrane Classic Bullriding on the Saturday evening.

The sizable donation makes it possible for the Ag Society to bring in the West Coast Lumberjack Show – which will run eight shows throughout the course of the weekend.

The lumberjack event will include axe throwing, log cutting, and rolling and audience participation events.

“Forestry and agriculture are both heritage industries – they provide food and we provide shelter,” said Howard Pruden, safety codes officer for the sawmill, listing the bevy of wood products the lumber industry supplies to area ranchers and farmers – such as fence posts and livestock bedding.

Pruden said the sponsorship is a “good fit” and that the Ag Society never fails to impress with its annual fair that continues to grow.

“This lumberjack event doesn’t happen without Spray Lake Sawmills,” said Ag Society president Justin Burwash, reflecting on his own family’s history of buying fence posts for their horse fencing from the local lumber mill.

Ag Society manager Molly Sapergia said this year is shaping up to be off the charts – from the inclusion of the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association-sanctioned bull riding event Saturday night to the junior rodeo events for ages eight to 14 on the Friday night and seven years and younger on the Sunday afternoon.

“Sponsorships have been incredible – the best it’s ever been.”

Also jammed into the weekend will be mini chuckwagon races, pony and wagon rides, a petting zoo, horse trials, pet show, Old Tyme bench exhibition, Extreme Cowboy Alberta races, team roping and midway rides.

Hungry families will feast on fair food and entertainment – all to the tune of $5/person and free admission for children five and under.

Tickets to the Cochrane Classic Bullriding – with the Blake Reid Band to entertain late-night two-steppers – are available at Dry Cleaning by Dave and Tony’s Shoe Repair.

Call Cochrane & District Ag Society at 403-932-3250. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

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