It looks like the weather will be amazing as we get ready to kick off Stampede in two days.

Although Cochrane doesn't have all the action and craziness of Stampede, we do have a number of pancake breakfasts and barbeques that will fill you up and help put you in the Stampede spirit.

Kicking off the first of many flapjack feasts is 'Pancakes at the Corner;' although this a first for Mark Eaton, owner of the Corner Coworking, he says he is prepared to handle hundreds of hungry attendees. "We are hoping to set the stage for a successful breakfasting season...so to speak."

Besides breakfasts and barbeques being great ways to bring community members together it is also good for business, shares Eaton. "It helps with local businesses and it's also an opportunity for community members to see who is out and about. It's good to see what businesses are out there, its obviously challenging times for many businesses."

Deciding to host the event, gives Eaton and the Corner Coworking an opportunity to showcase what it is all about. Besides having pancake batter kick around, the Corner Coworking is launching something new on Friday. "We are launching a new program called 'Open Corner', where we are offering free coworking for the whole day and it aligns nicely with our Pancakes at the Corner, Stampede Breakfast. So people can come in and look around, and if they like, after the pancake breakfast work for the day, use the wifi and make connections."

For Ernesto Lozano, owner of the Hub Cafe and Wine Bar he is just happy to see the weather cooperate for the fourth annual Sunset Ridge pancake breakfast. "It looks like the weather is going to be nice and sunny so it's going to be great. Sunset is a new community but it's growing very fast and we're planning a great breakfast. We'll have a band, pancakes, orange juice, coffee, ponies, and face painting. We have a great variety of things for people to do this coming weekend."

 A full list of breakfasts and barbeque is below, and all community members are invited to partake:

  • July 6- Pancakes at the Corner: Hosted by the Corner Coworking, KS Communications, Don't Panic Mechanic and Urban Casual. You are strongly encouraged to bring your own plate, cutlery and mug to be entered into a draw every 30 minutes. DJ pumping tunes and Cochrane Fun Van on site breakfast runs from 8 am to 10 am (225 Railway Street East)
  • July 7- Stampede Breakfast: Hosted by Sunset Ridge Trading Post including Mountain Vista Law, Hub Cafe and Wine Bar, Sunset Ridge Dental, Sunset Ridge Pharmacy, Foothills Creative Beginnings and Brooklyn Social House. Live music, ponies and face painting breakfast runs from 9 am to 12 pm (Sunset Ridge Trading Post)
  • July 8- Free Stampede Breakfast: Hosted by Bow Valley Baptist Church. Bring in non-perishable food items to help stock the shelves of the Morley Food Bank. Breakfast runs from 8-10 am. (54 West Aarsby)
  • July 8- Fireside Stampede Breakfast: Hosted By La Vita Land at Fireside Parkway (follow the signs). Breakfast runs from 9 am to 12 pm; with pony rides (9:30-11:30), petting zoo, bouncy castle and prizes.
  • July 9- Annual Stampede Breakfast: Hosted by Royal LePage Integrity, Guy's Bakery and Cafe, ATB, Two Pharmacy, Phone Experts, Mabbott and Company,  and Drs. Ziegenhagel and Associates. Breakfast runs from 8 am to 11 am and includes musical entertainment, face painting and games. (1, 201 Grand Blvd)
  • July 12- 2018 Pancake Breakfast: Hosted by Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane and Area. Community members are invited to join in on the fun. Breakfast runs from 7 am to 11 am and includes music, entertainment, colouring and western photo props. Bring your own plate and cutlery for a chance to win. $10 West Jet raffle tickets also available. (111 5th Ave W)
  • July 12- 2nd Avenue Stampede BBQ: Hosted by Arrowhead Veterinary Centre, Cochrane Coffee Traders, RE/MAX West Real Estate, Texas Gate Bar & Grill/Rockyview Hotel and Tim's Gourmet Pizza. Grilling Spolumbo sausages and hot dogs from 2- 6 pm. Live music from local musician Allan Watts, face painting and a bouncy house also on site. (111 2nd Ave W)