COCHRANE— Come rain, snow, wind or a global pandemic nothing was stopping the Cochrane & Area Events Society from hosting the Labour Day Parade (Display).
Cochrane & Area Events Society secretary Marina Chabbert said the organization was “pleasantly surprised” to see how well the modified parade display was received by the community.
The day saw more than 800 spectators drop by the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre parking lot to visit the stationary floats and displays.
“We were very pleased with the attendance and with the response of the people attending— We’re very happy with the enthusiasm from all of the participants and all of the spectators. It was really great.” Chabbert said. “For the most part, everybody was very happy and relaxed and enjoyed the atmosphere.”
One of the best parts of the day was the entertainment on the grounds, she said, praising the work volunteers and floats did to keep the day fun and interactive for community members.
The Labour Day Parade did face a challenge due to the weather that included high winds paired with some rain, Chabbert said, but the parade has faced more extreme weather in the past.
“It rained but it didn’t pour— It was just a little bit of a nuisance,” Chabbert said.
Floats in the Labour Day Parade (Display) brought out their creative sides and energetic enthusiasm to help make the most of the day for guests.
The Guns of the Golden West took home the award for best overall float, Cultivate Cochrane was named most creative display and the Filipino Community Cochrane display was named most entertaining.
“They did a good job of getting people to have fun,” Chabbert said.
She added that during the parade the Events Society was able to hand out $100 Cochrane Dollars.
Chabbert noted that the festivities for the 2020 Labour Day Parade were scaled-down in comparison to past events due to the public health regulations in place due to COVID-19.
While it may not have been a traditional parade celebration, Chabbert said, she appreciated that people followed the regulations put in place by Alberta Public Health.
“We’re happy with how things turned out,” Chabbert said.
