Cochrane's community spirit was very evident on Saturday evening (November 18).

It is estimated 15,000 plus people crowded into Historic Main Street to celebrate what kicks off the Christmas season for many Cochrane and area community members.

Stephenie Shelstad, Chairperson for the Cochrane Light Up Committee says feedback of the evening event has been extremely positive and event-goers seemed to love everything about it. "I haven't heard one bad comment coming from this year's Light Up which was really nice to hear. Even though the hot chocolate was a little slow to come out, people were still happy, having fun and there were a lot of activities. Everyone says it is such a staple in their Christmas and that they look forward to it every year."

Although the general public didn't take note, Shelstad says they experienced a couple challenges behind the scenes such as keeping up with hot water demand to make hot chocolate and the 'big surprise' which didn't pan out the way they hoped. "The light show was the biggest disappointment it was supposed to set the mood and they were going to put spotlights on things and move up and down the street but it wasn't there and we were really disappointed with that."

Despite a few hiccups, the Light Up volunteer crew boiled over 1000 Litres of water for hot chocolate while 17 business sponsored fire pots doled out roughly 11,000 hotdogs and bags of Old Dutch potato chips. The businesses once again did a great job of keeping up with the lineups, says Shelstad and many provide extra toppings for hot dogs and hot chocolate at their own expense. "The fire pots really amped up hot chocolate this year because that was a new trophy we brought in this year. We gave out three trophies this year, Spray Lakes Sawmills won 'Top Dog' and 'Most Spirited' and Sunset Ridge Dental took the 'Top Hot Chocolate'.

Even though the evening flew by in a flash, Shelstad says there were some great highlights noted and changes made to this year's line up. "Lighting the tree from the roof and the new position of the stage made for a nice gathering spot for people and the flash mob with Snap Dance Studios was great too."

Clean up went by quickly with help from a crew of volunteers and although the street was buzzing at 7 pm, a couple hours later the only remnants left were a few cases of uncooked hot dogs, a box of buns and a few pieces of mismatched winter gear. Giving thanks to all those involved, Shelstad, says without help from her six other committee members, volunteers who sacrificed their time and the support from local businesses, Light Up would cease to exist. "Anybody can come up with ideas and plan an event but without money, people supporting. and help with running it, it's never going to be possible."

Once the committee debriefs, the Light Up members will meet with Town Of Cochrane staff to discuss the future of the event. With growing success year after year, Shelstad says she will look for guidance from the town on the how and if the event could expand. "Moving forward, I am not sure. I will have to work with the town and see where we can go. I would like to see if we can get the barricades to be extended a little longer or wider but we'll see what happens."

Congratulations to the Cochrane Light Up committee for bringing another year of joy, festivity and Christmas spirit to our town and we'll all be looking forward to the 35th year in 2019.