Skip to content

Big celebration planned for Cochrane Canada Day

Cochrane’s Canada Day celebration will be better than ever this year, thanks to the teamwork of the Cochrane and Area Events Society (CAES) and Stephenie Shelstad with Cochrane Light Up.
Canada flag made with red maple leaves. Canada day
The Canada Day celebration in Cochrane will be even more exciting this year, with a full day of events and activities at Mitford Park July 1.

Cochrane’s Canada Day celebration will be better than ever this year, thanks to the teamwork of the Cochrane and Area Events Society (CAES) and Stephenie Shelstad with Cochrane Light Up. “This is the first year we’ll have events going on all day in Cochrane,” said Shelstad, who began working with CAES to organize the event in late February. “We really wanted this celebration to appeal to everybody, young and old. There’s going to be something for everyone to do – no one can say they’ll be bored at this Canada Day, that’s for sure.” The day kicks off with the Legion’s pancake breakfast, which runs from 9 to 11 a.m., followed by a Cowboy Church service, which Shelstad said will take place at 12 p.m. As soon as that wraps up, the stage will play host to a wide variety of live entertainment throughout the day, Shelstad said – including not only musical performers, but a karate demonstration and a presentation to honour local athletes who have achieved international success. “While all that is happening on the stage, we’ll have a ton going on in Mitford Park, itself,” she said. “Usually, this event has just been an evening concert kind of thing, but this year, we wanted to expand it to last all day long.” Mitford Park will be home to a range of activities for families and kids of all ages – pony rides, a petting zoo, bumper balls, oversized board games, a toddler roller coaster, mini golf, face painting, crafts and more. In addition, kids will be able to see some of their favourite princesses walking around the park, as well as stilt walkers and balloon twisters. “We’ll also have a rustic market set up, 10 to 12 different food trucks for people to try, and the Half Hitch beer garden, which is a new addition this year,” Shelstad said. “Another new element this year is that the fireworks will go off at 11 p.m. to music – so, if you’re at the park for the event, you’ll get to take that in.” According to Shelstad, CAES and Cochrane Light Up partnered with a number of local businesses and groups to help put on such a large event – making this year’s Canada Day a true community undertaking. “It’s Canada’s birthday – and obviously, it’s important to celebrate our country and our nationalism – but the main thing for us, this year, is that we wanted to bring our community together and showcase everything we have to offer,” she said. “Even though our town is growing as big as it is, we have the most amazing community spirit. It really gives that feeling of a small town, even though we’re not so small, anymore.” Shelstad said she encourages anyone coming out to bring a blanket or lawn chairs and plan to spend the entire day taking in the activities and events at the park. A shuttle will be provided, she added, to save people from worrying about finding a parking spot or getting home after having a few drinks at the beer garden. “There’s going to be so much to do here, it’s probably going to take you the whole day just to get through it,” Shelstad said. “We always have a great turnout and great support from the community, so we’re excited for an even bigger Canada Day celebration, this year.” For more information, like a detailed schedule of events and shuttle drop-off and pick-up locations, visit cochrane.ca/812/Canada-Day

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks