Cochrane & Area Events Society (CAES), in partnership with the Town of Cochrane, is preparing to host another action-packed Canada Day celebration at Mitford Park on Tuesday, July 1, marking the country’s 158th birthday.
The festivities kick off at noon and run throughout the day, featuring family-friendly entertainment, food, games, live music, and a fireworks finale.
“We're getting more and more people attend, which is fantastic to see,” said Marina Chabbert, CAES chair. “I would estimate we’ve had between 7,000 to 10,000 people at this event in previous years, with everyone out enjoying the day.”
This year introduces exciting additions including:
- FitSet Ninja – a ninja warrior-style obstacle course for kids from noon to 7 p.m.
- Gelly Ball – a low-impact shooting game using battery-powered blasters and hydrated gel orbs
Returning favourites include:
- Paws Fur Fun dog trick shows
- Messy Moose craft tent
- Butterfield Acres farm corral
- Bar JO Ranch pony rides
- Face painting
- SLS Centre Gaga ball pit
- Pergola Stage performances
A full slate of live music will lead into the fireworks show, headlined by Canadian pop-rock band Faber Drive at 9:30 p.m.
Additional performers include:
- 4 Moons of Jupiter – 5 p.m.
- Jeff Catto and Lauren Mayell – 6:30 p.m.
- Back Road Traveler Band – 8 p.m.
Turner Bates, Smoking Aces, and Cochrane Sings will also perform throughout the day.
A Rockyview Brewing Company Beer Tent and a wide variety of food trucks will be on site for attendees to enjoy. The celebration concludes with Cochrane’s signature fireworks display over the Bow River, lighting up the sky at 10:45 p.m.
As in past years, no public parking is available at Mitford Park or along the street.
Transportation options include:
- Shuttles – Southland and COLT services (COLT supports wheelchairs; folding strollers/wagons permitted)
- Designated parking/shuttle locations:
- SLS Centre (shuttle)
- Lot beside Cochrane Public Library (shuttle)
- Bow Valley Baptist Church (walkable and shuttle)
- Riverfront Park (walkable)
- Drop-off Zone – Located near the skate park via West Rock Road (must enter from Westside Drive; monitored by security and bylaw officers)
- Bike access – No valet this year; bring your own lock
- Bird Scooters – Available for use via Cochrane’s shared mobility program
- Handicap Parking – Limited spaces available at Mitford Park; blue placard must be visible upon arrival at the security tent
Volunteers are essential to the success of Canada Day. Chabbert notes that they are still looking to fill some roles.
“We’re looking for groups of six from organizations who may want to fundraise,” Chabbert said. “We have paid shifts for monitoring kids’ activities, recycling and cleanup, site setup and teardown, and gate monitoring.”
To sign up, visit signup.com.
Stay up to date by following Cochrane and Area Events Society on Facebook and Instagram, or visit cochraneevents.ca/canada-day for full event details bussing information, and FAQs.
