More childhood memories are about to be made tonight, Sat. Dec. 9, with the Cochrane Santa Claus Parade.

Without a doubt, Santa is the star but a number of floats and participating groups come first. At 5 p.m. tonight, the parade kicks off at 5 p.m. on the corner of 5th Ave. and Railway St. and travels through many streets south of the tracks in the downtown core (see the map below right).

Parade chair Mick Gee says it's a great way to cap off an eventful day in Cochrane.

"There are markets, there's photo with Santa, great restaurants and shops... lots of good things happening. Come early, get your parking places and enjoy the day. It's a big route and there are many great viewing places. Come and have a good time and create the childhood memories that last a lifetime."

Parade participants include Snap Dance Studio, the Cochrane Cobras football team Cochrane Quilters, Save-On-Foods, Ducks Unlimited, Rodeo Royalty, Cochrane town council and many others. A special highlight will be the CP Rail mini-train. Gee says it's about a 60-ft. long, quarter-scale replica of a train.

"I think the kids are really going to enjoy it. It's an authentic train. it's scale model, it's got a real train horn, a real train whistle, music and a bubble machine," he explains. "I can't wait to see it."

While the much coveted best of parade trophy will be judged in advance, organizers invite you to cast your own vote for the People's Choice Award. Simply go to the Cochrane Santa Claus Parade Facebook page to register your vote. The People's Choice will be announced on Sunday.