Cochrane Labour Day Parade promises to be bigger and better
The theme of this year’s Cochrane Labour Day Parade is “Pride of Cochrane” and is designed to highlight the accomplishments of some of the town’s prominent citizens.
“It is one of the most loved, longest-running spectacles in Cochrane’s history,” said Wendy Petryk, press conference organizer at a media event on April 1.
“It’s enjoyed by so many of us year after year, not only because it serves as an accurate illustration of the character of our community, but because the event itself brings together ranchers and business people; youth and seniors; musicians and dancers; families, neighbours and friends, and an enormous army of volunteers.”
The 2011 Grand Marshal will be Grant Profit, a local chuckwagon driver since 1986. In 2010, he placed third in the world professional standings with 27 top-10 runs, including six first-place finishes. 2010 was a spectacular year for Profit as he posted wins at the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede, the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby and Edmonton’s Chuckwagon Derby.
He established a new track record at the Dinosaur Derby and for the second consecutive year and had a horse named to the WPCA’s Equine Outfit of Excellence. He qualified for the sudden death championship final heat at the Ponoka Stampede and Edmonton’s Chuckwagon Derby, and had top-10 overall finishes at nine show championships en route to a third-place finish in the World Standings.
Profit is a two-time recipient of the WPCA’s Most Improved Driver Award, was runner-up for the World Chuckwagon Championship in 1999, and has seven major victories on his resumé. He has participated in EnCana’s WPCA/4-H Mentorship Opportunity annually since 2006 and works in the movie industry in the off-season.
“We are honoured to have him as our Grand Marshal, driving his chuckwagon rig with the Pride of Cochrane chuckwagon tarp,” said Petryk.
She said the parade itself will look a little different this year, with a lot more activity along the route. In the past, the parade had entertainment along the way to keep children entertained, but this year, it will involve even more members of the community.
“There is also an opportunity to sign-up as a volunteer. Hundreds of enthusiastic volunteers donate their time and skills each year to make the parade a success,” said Petryk. “Volunteers make the Cochrane Labour Day Parade happen. We can’t do it without you.”
Cochrane’s artists of all ages are being invited to submit poster ideas, illustrating the theme of the parade. The winning artist will receive a cash prize of $200. The artist will sign 100 posters that will be sold at a table at the Lions Labour Day Rodeo venue.
For more information, call 403-932-1877.
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