Cochrane is gearing up for the 57th annual Labour Day Parade tomorrow (Monday, Sept 1). The event is set to bring colourful floats, live entertainment and plenty of community spirit to the downtown core.
Barricades will be in place throughout downtown starting at 8 a.m. Parade-goers are encouraged to arrive early and claim a spot along 1st Street or Railway Street.
Chair of the Cochrane and Area Events Society, Marina Chabbert, says if you have been to the parade before, you'll already know what to expect. “We’re using the same route, same orientation. Pre-parade entertainment starts at 9, and the parade begins at 10.”
Entertainment acts will be spread out before the parade, and food trucks will be stationed along the route.
The Cochrane Activettes will also be hosting their traditional pancake breakfast on Railway Avenue.
This year’s parade is expected to be bigger than ever. “We have an increase in floats this year,” says Chabbert.
“Currently at 87, compared to 77 last year. It’s going to be exciting, it’s going to be a nice big parade.”
The floats will include familiar local businesses along with some newcomers. “There are businesses that are new to our parade, so that’s exciting to see, we never know what they’re going to bring out, so it’ll be a surprise.”