Zone 2 of Alberta 55 Plus has good reason to celebrate, and they're doing it right here in Cochrane, June 17.

About to enter their 26th year, they are holding a 25th Anniversary Picnic at The ClubHouse, located on the Historic Cochrane Ranche Site, and it's free for all members of Alberta 55 Plus. There are burgers and hot dogs and cake, but likely the most important part of the afternoon will be the chance to catch up with friends and make new ones.

"We're celebrating the begining of our 26th year as a society," explains zone 2 president Linda Traquair, of Drumheller. "We're having a kick off anniversary party and then we're doing a pep rally for the individuals who will be participating in Calgary games in August and for those who will be participating in the High Prairie games in September."

True to form, there will also be some games played, including bocce and horseshoe and organizers have a few surprises up their sleeves, but Traquair isn't letting the cat out of the bag.

"It's chance for the people to come to play and join some of their friends again and maybe even some try some of those activities that aren't available in their home communities."

Alberta 55 Plus has a long history of keeping Albertans active and they offer 32 different sports and activities for those 55 and over.

"They range all the way from card games, like crib and euchre, to athletics," explains Traquair. "There's a wide varietiy of activities for people."

55 Plus is making a transition after funding was drastically reduced by the Alberta government, but they are steadfast in keeping Albertans active because it's important.

"I don't think you can deny that keeping physically active has very positive health benefits and even the card games keep you mentally active and help to ward off dementia and things such as Alzheimer's."

Traquair chaired the 2016 Alberta 55 Plus Winter Games in 2016 and she still receives accolades about how much it was enjoyed and appreciated.

"It's an age group which is really appreciative," she says. "They know that these things don't happen without a committed group of people, such as boards and committees, and they truly appreciate what goes on behind the scenes to make it possible."

People often become regular participants after they get a taste of what it's all about.

"We have people that will participate in every sport there is to make sure they get back to the games in whichever event they qualify," she says. "And most of that is about getting to see their old friends."

The games, too, are good for the economy of host communities and you'd be surprised who attends. 

"One of the unique elements to this age group is that they may bring their spouse but often it will be their sons and daughters who bring them and their grandchildren come out and cheer on grandma and grandpa. So it's a really neat multi-generational opportunity."

Zone 2 is the second most southerly zone in Alberta and basically wraps around Calgary iike an irregular doughnut. It goes from Field, B.C. in the west to the Saskatchewan border in the east and Three Hills in the north and High River in the south. Thereare eight zones in the province and the summer games go in Calgary, Aug, 10-12, and the fall games are in High Prairie, Sept. 14-16.

Cochrane hosted Zone 2's most recent board meeting, June 6.

You can learn more about Zone 2 here.