Cochrane's Historic Downtown is looking and sounding a little brighter after Cochrane Home Treasures and the event's planning committee flicked the switch on Light Up Saturday night (Dec. 4).
Home Treasures chair Barb Primeau and Light Up president Stephanie Shelstad counted down in front of a small crowd in person, and to those tuning into the live stream from home, before pulling a candy-cane lever to activate the beloved holiday event's 37th year.
"Friends and family can come down and enjoy the magical show and feel some of the magic that we feel that it brings to the air," said Shelstad, who thanked the Light Up committee, lamp post sponsors, business owners, Urban Casual and major sponsors Cochrane Home Treasures for making it all possible.
A couple of months ago, when it looked as though the committee might cancel the event due to not having enough funding, Cochrane Home Treasures stepped in to offer them a community grant which included a donation of $15,000 to purchase new lights
"Words cannot express how I felt when I got the call that [they] would sponsor us in growing the show," said Shelstad. "You brought tears to my eyes. [Cochrane Home Treasures] gives tremendously to our community and in many ways, we are so lucky to have them."
When donating and cleaning out around the house, Shelstad said she hopes the community will remember Cochrane Home Treasures — who accepts second-hand items to be resold, using the profits to support community initiatives and charities, such as Light Up
Mayor Jeff Genung, who was in attendance for the kickoff, said although the event was virtual and the community is not able to gather over downtown fire pits over hot dogs and hot chocolate, as is tradition, it was still a great way to kick COVID to the curb by way of community spirit.
"This is such a beloved event," he said. "My hat is off — literally off — to Stephanie and the Light Up crew for taking this virtual and giving people something to celebrate at home."
The event was live-streamed by Urban Casual, who was hosting community check-ins throughout the launch, where folks live on scene in their neighbourhoods could show off their outdoor light displays and holiday decor via the live stream visible to viewers at home.
"What a great way to bring the community together by celebrating in each of our communities," he said. "It's been quite a couple of years, but in true Cochrane fashion, my heart is huge today and warm with all of the glow of the holiday season."
Stoney Nakoda First Nation elder Jeannie Clarke was also in attendance to bring holiday greetings to the town on behalf of the Nation and the Mini'Thni Dancers gave a performance in their regalia lit up with colourful holiday lights.
This year, the event has also partnered up with local businesses for 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways from Dec. 5 to Dec. 16. A new prize will be announced every day on Cochrane Light Up's Facebook page. To enter, click here and send an email to [email protected] with your name, phone number and a rave about that day's sponsor.
Entries are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily and are limited to one entry per person. The draws to announce winners will happen live at 8 p.m. on the Cochrane Light Up Facebook page each day.
The light show at Centennial Plaza resets every half-hour and will be on display from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. every day until Jan. 8.
