It's been over 100 years since the last big spring or fall cattle roundup in the Cochrane area and one local heritage organization is eager to reconnect residents with the area's ranching roots, and with each other, post-COVID-19.
The Stockmen's Memorial Foundation Library applied and was recently approved for a grant via the Government of Canada's Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage (BCAH) program to host an event that aims to bring the past to the present in more ways than one.
Executive Director of the Stockmen's, Scott Grattidge, believes Cochrane Roundup - a celebration of the area's rich western history and culture that they aim to put on in September - is just what locals need after two years of social distancing.
"If you lived on a ranch 140 years ago in Alberta, you didn't get to see your neighbours very often," explained Grattidge. "You did cherish the time when you could get together and share in that community and spend some time together socializing."
In the days of huge ranching operations, pre-fences, ranchers in the area would have a roundup in the spring to gather, brand and treat their cattle, setting them loose again to gather the ones ready to go to market in the fall.
"And because there were no fences, every big ranch sent out a few members and a chuckwagon," said Grattidge. "They would have these big roundups so that they made sure 'You got your cattle and I got mine.'"
Cochrane Roundup aims to mimic the essence of the historic practice by bringing everyone in the community together in celebration of being able to gather again, in conjunction with honouring the area's roots.
"I think there are some parallels that you could draw there where we've been less social or face-to-face in the last couple of years," said Grattidge. "This gives us that opportunity to see people and this event is really designed for the entire community."
The area's Indigenous people were an integral part of this history, he said, and Stockmen's plans to integrate their involvement into the event.
Mitford Park, where the celebration will be hosted, will have both tipis and chuckwagons on display.
The event is still in planning but Grattidge said it will be a full day of family-friendly fun. There will be live entertainment, including western music acts, and performances like cowboy poetry and hoop dancing.
There will be a branding station where attendees can create their own brand and they also hope to recruit a few different western artists to showcase their skills.
"Whether that's saddle-makers or rawhide braiders," Grattidge said. "We'll have plenty of activities to enjoy and some hands-on fun for the kids as well."
An electronic bucking bull or two may also make an appearance.
Grattidge said the event is a modern take on the Stockmen's mandate, which is to commemorate and honour the builders of the livestock industry.
"[This event] is playing into that mandate and into our roots but making it for today."
The event will be free to attend, except for food and drink purchases. Any community groups that are interested in becoming involved with Cochrane Roundup are welcome and encouraged to get in touch with the Stockmen's. They are looking for artist groups, food and drink vendors, and anyone else who wants to help celebrate the day's western theme.
To get in touch with the Stockmen's, call (403) 932-3782 or email [email protected].
More event details will be nailed down in the coming weeks, including a final date for the roundup, Grattidge said. They are currently aiming for Sept. 10 or 17, pending the availability of the main musical talent they're trying to recruit.
