Although many people don't start planning for Christmas until after Halloween, that is not the case for the Cochrane Light Up committee.

Being one of Cochrane's most significant events, planning for the evening festival began shortly after last year's wrapped up.

With plans already well underway, Stephenie Shelstad Organizer of the event, says she wants people to be aware of some notable changes. "Light Up is changing huge this year. Not only are we not going to have fire pots anymore, but sponsorship packages will be changing. When we send our packages out this year businesses will have an option to serve hotdogs or hot chocolate so we can double the number of tables we have. Hopefully, this change will help cut back on some of the long line ups."

When it comes to the reasoning behind kiboshing fire pots, Sheldstad says safety has to be a top priority. "With the pots aging and the mass number of people, we couldn't guarantee safety anymore, and that is a concern."

With the event attracting 14,000 people upwards, Shelstad says they will also be increasing the event's overall footprint. While normally Main Street (First Street) is barricaded from 1st Avenue to 5th Avenue, this year the barricaded area will run to Centre Avenue.

Even though the massive evening festival will see some changes, it will still feature past family favourites and maybe also contain some new surprises.

Lastly, Shelstad is also putting out a call for help. With it becoming more challenging to fill volunteer positions, Shelstad is getting an early start.
Hoping to have barricades covered by volunteers, Shelstad is putting a call out to businesses and organizations to get involved. "We are looking for people to adopt and man a barricade. It can be expensive, and you need a lot of manpower to run one of the sponsored business tables. So by volunteering this way, you can set up a tent, advertise yourself and get down there for free. However, you have to stand at the barricade for nine hours and have a minimum of two people cover it at all times."

For businesses wishing to serve food and secure a spot, sponsored tables are now available for $350 for one or two for $500.

If you would like to sponsor a business table or adopt a barricade, you can email Sheldstad at cochranelightup@gmail.com

Cochrane Light Up is set for November 23rd from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.