Hundreds of young adults are expected to make their way to Cochrane this weekend, all for the fun- and faith-filled three days of One Rock 2013.
The Christian festival, which is set to run July 26-28, has extended the invitation to young people — between the ages of 17-35 — from across Alberta and the Northwest Territories (NWT) to head to Mount St. Francis Retreat for a weekend of music performances, workshops, soccer games and camping.
“The youth are trying to find something meaningful,” stated Mark Love, chairman of the festival’s volunteer committee. “They are distracted all the time. We want to be the one event they can go to and share their thoughts with like-minded people.”
This is the fourth year for the three-day event, although the first year it’s called Cochrane home. Previously, the event was held in Rockyford, a village about 50 kilometres from Drumheller.
Relocating to Cochrane has opened the door for the continued growth of the festival, said Love. Traditionally, the festival has attracted about 1,500 people. This year, Love said he anticipates the number of attendees to surpass the goal of 2,500.
“Moving the venue was really important,” he said. “Before, it was logistically impossible for some youth to make their way to the festival. Here, in Cochrane, youth don’t have to rely on others for transportation, they can take transit.”
He added that a free shuttle would be operating from the Calgary North West Terminus of the LRT at Crowfoot Towne Centre — taking festivalgoers in and out of Cochrane.
And while they are at the venue, there is no shortage of things to do. A number of musical guests, including headliner Audrey Assad, will be gracing the stage. Participants can partake in drum circles, a variety of faith-inspired programs and inspirational speeches from Dan DeMatte and six Bishops from Alberta and the NWT.
This year, the event is being run at the same time as World Youth Day, an event organized by the Catholic Church and held in Rio de Janerio, Brazil.
Not wanting to miss out on any of the fun, Love said the festival would broadcast some of the World Youth Day activities over a big screen.
“There is a need to bring these positive messages to the youth,” said Love. “They are our decision-makers of tomorrow. And we need to talk to them today.”
Camping will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, at the flat rate of $10 for the weekend. Food trucks will be available to fight hunger and attendees are encouraged to bring their own refillable water bottles. In addition, a free babysitting service will be provided for event goers.
Tickets for the festival are still available and can be ordered online or purchased at the gate during One Rock. Tickets are $15 per person for a single day or $35 for an individual weekend pass. Family rates are also available. Check out onerock.ca for more information.
