The rodeo spirit is flying high in Cochrane with the official start of the Labour Day long weekend.
The Cochrane Lions Rodeo flag was raised this morning at The Station Civic Plaza, signalling the start of four days of rodeo action, a Labour Day Monday parade and more than 80 activities for Cochrane Discovery Day.
Mayor Jeff Genung joined members of the Lions Club and Lions Royalty for the ceremony, praising the club for adding the flag raising last year and calling it the finishing touch to a 56-year-old tradition in Cochrane.
“Cochrane Lions Labour Day Weekend Rodeo and the parade—as a Cochranite, this is what you live for,” said Genung. “I do have goosebumps. The excitement and the energy around this weekend—it’s Cochrane’s biggest weekend.”
The morning began with a free community pancake breakfast served by the Lions. Free Friday continues with the Slimdor Ranch Rodeo at 3 p.m., a community barbecue at 5 p.m. and an evening concert at 7 p.m. featuring Matt Johner and the Boys.
The three-day Cochrane Lions Labour Day Rodeo kicks off tomorrow. Gates open at 11 a.m. and the action gets underway at 1 p.m.