Cochrane’s Canada Day celebrations will be going ahead as planned, offering the community a fun-filled day of red-and-white themed activities this July 1.
In light of the recent flooding, the festivities have taken a charitable turn: a flood relief concert, with the proceeds going to benefit Cochrane’s neighouring communities.
“We’re asking the community to come together during this time,” remarked Tracy Smyth, recreation, culture and the arts manager at the Town of Cochrane. “Let’s raise money to support our neighbours.”
The concert, set to run from 5-9:30 p.m. at Mitford Park, will feature the sounds of Cochrane-native George Fox and Calgary-born Noel Johnson. Headlining the event will be George Canyon, a country-music singer-songwriter who lives in one of the communities hit hardest by the flood: High River.
Tickets for the concert are free for children 12 years and under, and $10 for everyone else. They can be purchased at the Cochrane RancheHouse, Cochrane Family and Community Support Services, and Big Hill Leisure Pool.
Donations for the Canadian Red Cross will be accepted at the gate, said Smyth.
The celebrations are slated to start bright and early with the annual three-kilometre Poker Fun Run at the Cochrane Ranche Historic Site. Hosted by the Cochrane Red Rock Running and Tri Club, the free event starts at 9 a.m. Participants are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the Cochrane Activettes.
Also starting at 9 a.m., the Cochrane-branch of the Royal Canadian Legion will be holding their traditional pancake breakfast. At 11 a.m. — after breakfast is served — the legion will raise the Canadian flag. Don’t forget to stay for birthday cake.
Smyth said volunteers will be needed to help with the flood relief developments. To offer your time, or for further information, call 403-851-2534.
