Although Easter weekend did not feel like spring, Cochranites came together to celebrate the weekend.

The Walk of the Cross on Good Friday (March 30) was once again well attended, shares Reverend Ray Goodship, even though it was quite chilly. "It looked very close to what we've had in the past years so probably close to a couple hundred people. It was the coldest walk I've been part of."

Rev. Goodship was not only impressed by the turnout but the tenacity of attendees. "It shows the strength of the event. It has been happening for 30 years and regardless of the cold, it's a big part of reflecting around Easter and its meaning. It has become an important component of our faith communities here and recognition of going through the Good Friday experience in order to celebrate Easter."

Proud to see 11 or 12 religious organizations come and work together to reflect and put on the event, Goodship said it is very meaningful. "Regardless of our individual practices or theologies, we express our faith and put this experience together as a shared one for the whole community."

Other large gatherings were seen at the Easter egg hunt hosted by Canadian Tire and the Fireside Easter Party hosted by the Fireside Planning Committee. 

Chris Birch, General Manager for Canadian Tire, says this was the 6th annual hunt for the Cochrane Store and the event is always well attended and a staff favourite. "It has grown from about 130 kids the first year to over 500 this year. We enjoy giving back to a community that has been so great to us over the years. It’s really a great day for our staff and frankly, we enjoy doing it."

Brittni Wilson, one of the organizers of the Fireside Easter Party shares the chilly weather brought their final numbers down slightly but the Planning Committee was still happy. "We think we had about 150 to 200 people we had more registered but I think the weather really deterred people because we were an outdoor event, so I think overall that was a really great turn out."

The Fireside Planning Committee had over 2000 plastic eggs hidden, a photo booth, face painting, and a pancake breakfast thanks to sponsors and partnerships. The group of homeowners is excited to bring more events to the community in the upcoming months. "I believe in community spirit and if we do stuff like this it really brings people together and gets us out meeting those neighbours that you don't ever get to meet. It's nice to bring some positive to the community and I hope things like this bring us closer together."

Other Easter Egg hunts included the one in the East End, Tapestry Church, King's Gate Church, Bow Valley Baptist Church, RockHaven Church and the Riverview Community Association. 

Calbridge and LaVita Land are hosting a Spring Party in Fireside this Saturday, April 7th from 12-4 pm with an egg hunt,  face painting, balloon twisters and food trucks.