Boasting a full roster of western-style activities, there’s no doubt that Cochrane SummerFest and Cochrane Classic Bullriding is back and better than ever.
Organized by Cochrane and Area Events Society (CAES), the yearly festival will be coming to town July 26-27. And with it comes a plethora of events that will appeal to the whole family.
“We have all been caught off guard by bad news,” said Brooks Tower, event director. “It’s important for everyone to realize that they need to catch their breath and SummerFest is one way to do that.”
And the annual event is not short on fun, interactive activities. Knight Haven will be back with their medieval flair, as will the pony rides, paintball range and wagon rides. Beyond Boarders Ranch will be bringing a trio of horses and will have a booth set up for equine-related crafts and information.
In addition, the WineGlass Ranch will have a few cowpokes on hand to teach potential cowboys and cowgirls the fine art of ranch roping and the history behind the lassoing practice.
On July 16, Tower announced that this year’s SummerFest will be graced with the presence of royalty — rodeo royalty, that is. The 2013 Calgary Stampede Royal trio — Queen Jessica Williams and princesses Danielle Kakoschke and Catherine Morneau — will be wandering the grounds July 27.
The trio will also be taking part in a special opening ceremony at the Cochrane Classic Bullriding competition that evening.
Last year, about 2,000 people showed up for the event. This year, Tower said he’s hoping for even more.
Cochrane SummerFest, is set to run July 27 from noon to 6 p.m. The Classic Bullriding is slated to go the same day, running from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets can be purchased at the gate, or on the CAES website at cochraneevents.ca.
