The rowdy Cochrane Fair is returning Aug. 17 to 19 – with bulls, broncs and beer. The Cochrane Ag Society Park will be hosting the town’s own mini-Stampede, with something for everyone offered throughout the weekend. When the Cochrane Ag Society was founded in 1910, the first fair was technically hosted then, said Isabel Gimber, the fair’s committee chair. According to Gimber, the event was so well-attended – with around 2,000 spectators – the society had to add an extra train car in Calgary to meet demand. She said today’s ag society looks to keep that tradition going. “Last year, we noticed that we became a solid, signature event for Cochrane, and that people were linking the Cochrane Fair with Cochrane,” she said. “I think we’re expanding and exploding, exponentially.” Part of that explosion last year came as a result of the ag society’s partnership with Cochrane Classic Bull Riding, who’ll have its fan-favourite sport running at 7 p.m. Aug. 18. This year, Gimber said, the society is expanding the event once again, thanks to a new partnership with Foothills Bucking Horse Futurity. The outfit of broncs and riders will be opening the weekend at 6 p.m. Aug. 17, with saddlebronc and bareback. The event will also include pre-show entertainment, like sheep dog herding, First Nation dancers and the first heat of mini chuck wagon races. Mini-chuckwagon heats will be on again Aug. 18 in the afternoon, and will finish with the finals on Aug. 19. All day Aug. 18 and 19, spectators can come out for the Extreme Cowboy Alberta Races, which Gimber said will be having its finals competition at the fair. “They have an outdoor obstacle course with horse and rider combinations,” she said. “They race against the clock to go through really amazing kinds of obstacles, and they have tasks they have to complete at each station as they’re going through.” For the kids, there will be pony rides, wagon rides, midway rides, mutton-busting and plenty of animals throughout the weekend. The fair also offers family-friendly beer gardens, Gimber said, so kids can hang out while “parents can have a cool one when the entertainment is going on.” The Indigo Circus Performers, with their acrobatic balancing acts and juggling, are lined up to offer some of that live entertainment. The old-fashioned Bearspaw Old Tyme Bench Show welcomes entries from anyone looking to showcase their best vegetable, photography, LEGO structure or whatever other object they can think of, Gimber added. Those interested in learning more about farm safety can also find some hands-on sessions Aug. 18. According to Gimber, attendees can see what it’s like to use a fire extinguisher, or take an on-site training course on ATVs. While the event’s focus is on farm safety, Gimber said there will also be plenty of prizes and giveaways. Advanced and door tickets are available for the Bucking Horse Futurity for $20, while the Classic Bull Riding is $30. General admission is $10, but kids under the age of five wil get in free. The society is also still looking for volunteers. Tickets and additional information can be found on the Cochrane Fair Facebook page, or at cochranefair.com
