With the Calgary Stampede right around the corner, there will be no shortage of time-honoured and delicious Stampede Breakfasts taking place in the Cochrane community in the following weeks.
Starting on July 6, BGC Cochrane and Area alongside the Cochrane Lions Club will host their 2023 Stampede Breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. with admission by donation.
Another breakfast will take place on July 8, with the Fireside Cochrane Stampede Breakfast at Emberside Grove from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The next day on July 7, Cochrane Toyota and Cochrane Dodge will host their Stampede Breakfast from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Cochrane Toyota general manager Ryan Baum said the event will see the local dealerships partner with the Cochrane Lions Club to bring delicious breakfasts to the community.
“We’re going to have a face-painter out, some live music, and up in this area we haven’t had a pancake breakfast in a while and thought it’s time to do it,” Baum said. “So, we’re excited to partner with the Lions Club and Cochrane Dodge to make it happen this year.”
On July 10, Royal LePage Benchmark Cochrane will host their Stampede Breakfast behind their offices on 501 1St Street from 8 to 11 a.m. Joey Cyr with the Ken Morris team at Royal LePage Benchmark said the free event will have all the staples of the traditional stampede breakfasts, with special pancake toppings for kids, a free-flow of coffee, and country music.
“I’m going to be dressed up as something new this year,” Cyr added. “We’re introducing the Benchmark Bandit, so expect to see me in a full-on cowboy get-up and all that fun stuff. It’ll be a good time.”
At the same time, a second breakfast will take place on July 10 in the parking lot at Guy’s Café, alongside other local businesses, from 8 to 10 a.m. That will be followed by a breakfast hosted by CIR Realty on July 11 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
To kick off the second stampede weekend on July 15, the Bearspaw Lifestyle Centre will host their Stampede Pancake Breakfast and Christmas in July Market. From 9 a.m. to noon, guests can enjoy a traditional Stampede Breakfast, and also have the chance to shop at the market until 3 p.m.
Marketing manager and event coordinator for the Bearspaw Lifestyle Centre Sheila Salateski said outside of several activities for kids, the free family event will also feature a special, surprise appearance from Santa Claus.
“He’s coming in by helicopter and he will be landing at noon,” Salateski said. “He’ll stay here from noon until 2 p.m.”
In addition to the special visit, helicopter rides will be offered from 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for $80.
“I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of kids come out, and for people to enjoy and realize that we’re very family-oriented, and that everything we do here is about families, kids, and parents having fun,” Salateski said.
