Young artists and musicians from Cochrane will take center stage this weekend when they showcase their amazing musical/ artistic talents.

The Cochrane Rotary Youth Talent Festival is a volunteer run annual event that is open to all children in the Cochrane area who perform in front of a panel of skilled adjudicators; who are critically astute and have passion for youth talent.

Cyndie Baum, Cochrane Rotary Youth Festival, Chair, says the stories and life changing moments for the children, make volunteering worthwhile.

“The festival's primary mandate is to foster a love for arts in children.”

This event would not be possible without their sponsors, especially the late Gordon and Illa Rumple, Cochranites that were so impressed with the Rotary’s event, they donated a piano and have set up a yearly scholarship of $10,000.

The festival includes week long specialized mini events where 240 children can display talents in their chosen category. At the end of that week, adjudicators select  participants to perform in the finale where five distinctive awards and one overall performance scholarship will be awarded.

The fast paced, entertaining showcase finale is being held at RockPointe Church, Friday, November 18th at 7pm. Admission is free, keeping in the spirit of fostering the love of the arts.