Get ready to be ‘cultured’ this weekend in Cochrane as the town celebrates its annual Cochrane Culture Days.
The Cochrane celebration is just one of dozens of community events this September as part of Alberta Culture Days, the province’s month-long celebration of arts, heritage, diversity, and community spirit.
Albertans can discover, experience, and celebrate arts and culture in September by attending or hosting local events and activities. Go to the community events listing page to find out what’s happening in your community.
What’s Happening?
On September 7 and 8, Cochrane will host various cultural events to keep you busy and entertained. Here is a brief rundown of what to expect.
Head down to the Cochrane Farmers Market at the SLS Sports Centre on Saturday. Not only will you find a wide variety of art and food vendors, but you’ll also have the opportunity to see performances by the Stoney Mini Thni Dancers (10 AM), the Drowsy Maggies Celtic Band (11 AM), the Midnight Taiko Japanese Drums (noon), and a demonstration by Ga-On Taekwondo Academy (1 PM).
Of course, no arts celebration is complete without balloon animals and face painting. Balloons and Butterflies and Imagine That YYC Face Painting will be on hand to entertain the kids while you search for fresh veggies and treasured art.
On Sunday, all the activities move to Cochrane’s Centennial Plaza on Main Street, where the highlight will be classic cars lining the street, featuring unique antique and vintage autos as part of the Cochrane Classic Car Club Show ‘N’ Shine.
While you check out the classic cars, you’ll be serenaded by a wide variety of cultural musical genres from some of the area’s best music clubs and societies, including Westwinds Summer Jazz, the Cochrane Pipe Band, Six By Six, Fig Fusion, Melodic Mix and Canmore Dixieland Jazz Band.
Balloon twisting and face painting will be available all day Sunday as well.
A Special Event
One of the highlights of Cochrane Culture Days will be the Wazin Îchinabi Ti tipi raising at The Station Greenspace.
Wazin Îchinabi Ti is a non-profit society providing acceptance, well-being, and connections for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people through various community-based programs, services, and opportunities.
One such event is the tipi raising. Once the tipi is erected, it will display Indigenous art.
Speaking of art, at the west end of Main Street, Wazin Ichinabi Ti—House of Oneness—will host its 2nd Annual Fall Indigenous Market from 10 AM to 3 PM. This is a perfect opportunity to take home a unique piece of art.
If you live in Cochrane or are in the area this weekend, check out all the happenings. The weather forecast looks spectacular, and if you get too hot, you can always find a cool reprieve at MacKay’s Ice Cream on Main Street!
