This year's Taste of Cochrane was a winner for all those involved.

Just over one hundred people attended the eighth annual event on Saturday (October 19), says Jag Thind, whose involvement began in year one. "It was beyond our expectations. We had twenty-one businesses, and we got around 105 people out. We got some great comments, and the businesses enjoyed it too. People were full even before they had been to all the places, and some of the businesses did great as they gave coupons and gift certificates out to participants."

Besides seeing some new faces, Thind was also happy to see several children sampling. "Kids twelve and under were free. It was great to see the kids try some different food and things they don't usually eat. The kids really liked it too. We had some of the kids respond that they normally wouldn't have tried it but instead said they would be back. Those are the types of comments we need to hear from people, including children too."

Taste of Cochrane(Photo Credit: Jag Thind)

Local resident, Sarah Snowden, says this was her third time attending, and the event never disappoints. "It’s great to sample the delicious food and drinks, but you also meet with other fellow tasters, making new friends along the way. You keep seeing them throughout the day, and you share which places gave the best samples, biggest portions, and just generally the most delicious."

Snowden shares thanks to the event; she now has a couple of new 'personal favs' to add to her list. "Among the best for me this year was the Avenue Cakery and Bakeshoppe; the samples were delicious and very generous, and being out of the way in Sunset, I had never been. Another favourite of mine every year is the Venue; they never disappoint. My favourite drink sample location was the Beer Den, and again, I had never been. I didn’t realize they offer beer more than just beer; it was fun trying out new drinks."

With October 20-26, being proclaimed as Small Business Week across Canada, Thind is thrilled with the opportunity an event like this provides to our local culinary entrepreneurs. "We follow up with all the businesses and people too. We always start by promoting the event to the locals first, and although we do allow franchises in, most of them are living and working in Cochrane. We want people to spend their dollars in Cochrane and not go anywhere else, especially when we have lots of great restaurants and businesses right here in town."

Lastly, Thind gave special thanks to Cochrane Tourism as well as the Cochrane and District Chamber of Commerce for helping the event be such a success. "Everything costs money, and without their help, this kind of thing can't happen."

With nothing but positive reviews from almost all participants, both Thind and Snowden are already looking forward to year nine.