We're just eight days away from the biggest weekend of the year in Cochrane.
The Cochrane Lions Club is tipping its hat to the community to kick off the 59th Annual Labour Day Weekend Rodeo with a Friday Aug. 29 celebration blending tradition, music and free family fun.
Festivities begin bright and early that day with a pancake breakfast in the parking lot of the Cochrane Lions Event Centre from 8 to 11 a.m. That’s followed by a flag-raising and morning entertainment, also part of the lineup for Cochrane’s Discovery Days. The action then shifts to the rodeo grounds for an afternoon and evening of events.
“It’s our gift back to the community,” said Chris Connon, president of the Cochrane Lions and co-chair of the rodeo committee.
Besides celebrating Cochrane’s ranching heritage, the rodeo has raised more than $2 million for community causes. That’s on top of a weekend that annually generates more than $1 million in commerce.
Connon said the Lions Club’s mission is to keep the event as accessible as possible. With the help of sponsors, the Friday salute to the community has been made free.
“We want to stay affordable and inclusive for everyone. That’s part of the Lions’ vision,” he said. “We’re working hard to make sure no one is excluded because of cost.”
At 3 p.m., the Slimdor Ranch Rodeo kicks off with free admission, thanks to sponsor Rich Bach and Slimdor Contracting, who have supported the event for 22 years.
That’s followed by a free community BBQ at 5 p.m. sponsored by Calgary Co-op and the Lions, and a family cabaret featuring Matt Johner and the Johner Boys at 7 p.m., with support from Burnco and the Calgary Stampede.
The Johner Boys are members of the renowned Canadian country music family from Saskatchewan. The Johner Brothers headline Saturday night’s cabaret, tying together generations of country music.
Cochrane’s own Turner Bates will open.
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