Despite unpredictable weather and a few tense moments, the second annual Bow Valley Boot Stomp went ahead over the weekend, bringing together music lovers, volunteers, and a resilient team of organizers determined to keep the good times rolling.
“It was challenging, that’s the best word for it,” said Kailey Mitchell, CEO of Quirk Social and the event’s lead organizer. “You spend months planning, but the weather is the one thing you can’t control. Still, it was really awesome to see everyone come together.”
Friday night brought fast-moving storm clouds and intense winds, forcing organizers to shut things down temporarily and move performances indoors to the barn at the Cochrane Agricultural Grounds. Mitchell says they received a critical heads-up from local storm chaser Braydon Morisseau that helped them act quickly.
“I’ve never seen weather like that,” Mitchell said. “It was the closest I ever want to be to tornado-style weather.”
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Despite the chaos, no one was injured. A few small tents were lost, and some sound equipment was damaged when a larger tent partially collapsed, but the main stage remained intact. Most importantly, the show went on, with performers, production crews, and volunteers all stepping up.
“There was so much positivity,” Mitchell added. “Everyone, from musicians to vendors to attendees, had nothing but good things to say about how we handled the pivot.”
Though the outdoor main stage was only used briefly due to weather, the barn stage proved to be an unexpected highlight. “People really loved the barn,” Mitchell said. “It added a different kind of charm, even if it came with a few allergy sneezes.”
The event drew strong community support, though Mitchell noted that getting bodies through the gates remains a challenge, especially with Cochrane residents used to free local events.
“We’re still learning how to build that momentum,” she said. “But for a second-year event, it was great to see so many people show up and support live music in our town.”
As for the future of Boot Stomp? Mitchell says the wheels are already turning for 2025. “There’s definitely talk about a third annual,” she said. “And we’ve got a few other fun things planned under the Boot Stomp banner in the coming months.”
One of those is a Christmas Boot Stomp fundraiser concert set for December 12th at the Cochrane Lions Club, with more details to come.
“Everyone’s goal was to put on a great show, and we did just that,” Mitchell said. “We’re so grateful for our team, the artists, and everyone who rallied behind us to make it happen.”