Friday has been declared a free day by the Cochrane Lions as a salute to the community that has fuelled their rodeo for more than half a century.
From sunrise to sundown, there’s free food, live music and the annual Slimdor Ranch Rodeo to launch the 56th annual Cochrane Lions Labour Day Weekend Rodeo.
“This is a big thank you for all the support we get year-round,” said Chris Connon, Lions president and rodeo co-chair. “Our event centre is completely full with local events. We want to thank the community for all their support through the years—not just this year, but every year.”
Festivities start early with a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m., served up with music from the Tumbleweeds. The Slimdor Ranch Rodeo rides out at 3 p.m., followed by a community barbecue at 5. At 7, Matt Johner and the Boys take the stage.
At 9:55 a.m., the Lions Rodeo flag will be raised at The Station on Railway Street, officially kicking off the rodeo weekend and Cochrane Discovery Days.
It takes a lot of volunteers to pull off the rodeo. Last night, the Lions took time to recognize their volunteers with a volunteer appreciation dinner of scrumptious smoked pork with all the trimmings.
Weather looks ideal and ticket sales have been brisk for the three-day rodeo, running Saturday through Monday.
“Everything is really falling into place,” said Connon. “Our sponsorships are very, very strong, and it’s great to see the backing we are receiving for such a community-driven event. The more support we get, the more we can give back after the rodeo."
The rodeo alone has pumped more than $2 million back into numerous community causes, not counting other in-kind donations, like support provided for the recent Calgary Police Rodeo. It's in addition to numerous other fundraising initiatives of the nonprofit service club.
By Wednesday, over 300 tickets had already been snapped up for Saturday night’s cabaret, headlined by the Johner Brothers with Cochrane’s own Turner Bates opening. Gates open at 7 p.m., with music at 8.
Weather permitting, the cabaret will once again be held outdoors under the stars.
“Fingers crossed,” said Connon. “As long as Mother Nature doesn’t sidestep us, it’s looking great. We’re excited the Calgary Stampede is leaving their stage here and we’ll open the north end of the arena so everyone can have a good time dancing in the dirt.”
If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the Lions are ready to move the cabaret inside the community centre.