The Labour Day long weekend has been a long-established staple of Cochrane and it’s about to get even sweeter this year.
The first-ever Cochrane Discovery Days will feature an extensive lineup of over 20 events celebrating Cochrane's history and culture. The festival includes a variety of free, by-donation, and ticketed activities, with the Cochrane Lions Rodeo serving as the centerpiece of the weekend.
“I don't even know where to start, because there are so many things going on,” says Callandra Caufield, Executive Director with Explore Cochrane. “We really just want people to come and enjoy Cochrane! Come celebrate our history and also celebrate the future that we're all building together.”
The historic downtown Cochrane will host living history actors, strolling musicians, and special offers from local businesses over the weekend.
The Cochrane Historical & Archival Preservation Society will offer historical bike tours, and Found Books will present a cowboy poetry open mic.
On Saturday, the Cochrane Public Library will feature a Wild West Carnival with games and activities for all ages.
Other festival activities include Indigenous storytelling and crafts at the Station at Cochrane Crossing.
“Inside the Station, everyone can come and see birds of prey. We don’t know exactly which ones are coming but they can get up close to owls, falcons, and hawks.”
There will also be artist demonstrations and workshops at the Route 22 Collective Artist Gallery, and natural history exhibits by the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation.
The festival will conclude on Labour Day Monday with a parade and community pancake breakfast.
