An inaugural community event surrounding health and wellness is coming to town.

Not your typical trade show, 'Elevate' has a unique concept that provides the opportunity for attendees to participate in a wide range of activities for the whole family.

Working as an independent yoga instructor in town, Marni Richelle wanted to create an event that would marry her passions of a healthy lifestyle and community. "I studied International Community Development in University as my major so community is very near and dear to my heart. I grew up in Cochrane and I see that we are an up and coming wellness town with so much to offer here and I just wanted to highlight all the great things we have going on."

Coming up with the idea in March, Richelle got to work creating a two-day event that will unite community and businesses over one jam-packed weekend.

The first part kicks off on August 10th at the Cochrane Ranche House theatre with a motivational evening called 'We Are Cochrane', shares Richelle. "It is a kick off for the full day of activities the following day. It is a Ted Talks style speaking engagement where there will be six local people sharing their own personal story and how the community has played a role in their life in some way. It is just a way to get to know the people in our community on a deeper level."

Although the evening before is a sit-down event, the next morning participants will meet up at Centennial Plaza on Historic Main Street to kick off day two of Elevate which enables ticketholders to attend a variety of workshops all day long.

The morning begins with registrants picking up a wristband and map of participating businesses before getting fired up at the opening ceremonies. "The day is scheduled in hour chunks where you travel from one business to the next where you partake in whatever service they are offering at that time. We have four to five things all happening at one time so you can pick and choose. Is it nutrition that you're interested in, a family event, outdoor boot camp, spin class or a cooking class?! You literally are getting a taste of what these businesses offer in-house so you get to see what they're all about and they're all shining a light on something they are really excited about and proud to bring to the community. It then ends with an after party with prizes and giveaways. It is a jam-packed, full day of really great information, workshops, seminars and classes. There is something for everyone; seniors, children and adults."

Not all businesses have a storefront so Richelle found a way for some home-based businesses to be involved as well. "I got a whole bunch of applications from businesses that don't actually have a physical location which I know is a huge part of Cochrane. So Frank Wills Memorial Hall will be a workshop space for home-based businesses to run their stuff and they're sponsoring it so the businesses won't be out of pocket to rent a space."

Richelle put special thought into other details as well; child minding so parents and children can attend separate classes at the same time and keeping the event affordable. "Accessibility for everyone was really important to me. I know summers can get carried away and you end up buying at all these festivals and events, so I just wanted people to pay for the ticket but if you only show up for one hour that is okay...you haven't wasted your money."

While Richelle is not looking for any more businesses to partake this year she does encourage those interested to fill out an application form for 2019. 

For more information on the event including participating businesses, schedule, how to get your ticket, business application and more, go HERE. Elevate is scheduled for the weekend of August 10-11.