Yes, it was raining a bit, and we all got wet, but that didn't dampen the highly charged community spirit of the Labour Day Parade on Sept. 4.

The positive energy of nearly 70 entries and hundreds of people parading through the downtown core blew away any ill-effects of those rain clouds.

Marina Chabbert, of the Cochrane Area Events Society (CAES) says they've had rain before, and Cochranites haven't let it get in the way.

"They just love being in the parade and love being out. It's great," she says.

shrinerA little rain? No big deal, says this Shriner. We've had the good fortunate of enjoying the Shriners entry for years.

"We had nearly 70 entries, which is fantastic because some of those entries were multiples, so it ended up being a pretty long parade on a short route."

She says there has been plenty of positive feedback.

The CAES had just three weeks to adjust to the shortened route this year that was forced by the road construction underway in town. To assist, the town contracted ATS Traffic to provide the barricades, and some manpower.

CAES communicated regularly with the stores impacted by the change in route. Many of them helped to spread the word about the change while reminding their customers they were open for business

The Cochrane Cobras football team stepped forward to play a huge role in the parade. They provided 32 volunteers, making up about 80 per cent of the volunteer crew.

Chabbert says the Cobras came forward with 17 people last year at the last minute. CAES reached out early this year and was thrilled with how the Cobras responded. The football team will be receiving a donation for their efforts.

The annual Labour Day fundraiser breakfast of the Cochrane Activettes held before the parade saw a steady stream of customers, says Activettes president Sue Lunnin.

The Activettes are celebrating their 45th anniversary of service to the Cochrane area.

The CAES Society congratulates their float winners:

Most Entertaining - Cochrane Sings

Most Creative - Balloons & Butterflies

Best Corporate - Mindy’s Place

Best Non-Profit - Alberta Ghostbusters

Best Mounted Group - Cowboy Trail Church

Best Overall - Filipino Canadian Association of Cochrane Alberta

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