It’s just one more sleep until Cochrane Light Up and organizers have a big surprise in store to add a new flavour to the 34th annual community celebration in the Historic Downtown.

The Saturday, Nov. 17 event starts at 4:30 p.m. and for three hours there’s plenty of food, entertainment, children activities and spectacles to enjoy.

Santa Claus will arrive on a fire truck to help kick off the evening. Helen Wu, of Trico Homes, will flip the switch to light up two ceremonial Christmas trees after a brief opening ceremony involving Light Up chair Stephenie Shelstad and MP Blake Richards. Then the celebration begins in earnest.

Santa had to travel the furthest to get here and is the guest of honour. He’ll be located in a tent by Rexall Drugs to hear the Christmas wishes of youngsters. Donations can be made here for the Share Your Christmas campaign of the Cochrane Activettes.

“Keep your eyes open because Santa may be bringing some extra special elves,” says Shelstad.

Town Councillors will be located close to Santa's tent and while no hot dogs will be served, there will be plenty of hot chocolate and limited-edition Cochrane gift bags filled with goodies from local businesses. They’ll also be hosting a photo booth. 

Gone is the giant igloo for children’s activities. It’s been replaced with three tents in different locations (see below map). The same activities are being offered in all three. In fact, says Shelstad, there’s actually more room to accommodate youth by changing the format.

To the delight of families and especially youth, hayrides are back. Four horse-drawn wagons will be circulating to help keep up with the demand.

Stilt walkers will be roaming main street and you should also be on the watch for a friendly 8-ft. polar bear. There are also roaming choirs spreading Christmas cheer. Oh, and if you see the Grinch wandering around, try to make him grin. Cindy-Lou, of the same famed Dr. Seuss story, will be with him. 

Word is Batman will also be on guard to make it a safe evening for all.

An incredible giant Snow Glow will create photo opportunities for families. People will be able to go inside (shoes must be removed) and have friends and families take pictures.

The Mini Thni Dancers will be among the entertainers at the Centennial Square and nearby award-winning chainsaw carver Brian Widahl will be creating an extravagant bench that will find a home at the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre.

Royal LePage Allstar Real Estate, 504 1st St. W., will be open and will be offering children’s activities.

And, of course, there’s the tradition of firepots serving hot dogs, chips and hot chocolate. They stretch from 5th Ave. to 1stAve. on main street.

Tim Hortons is back with their mobile unit downtown serving coffee and hot chocolate.

The Visitor’s Centre will be open as well as their public washroom. 

Some have expressed disappointment that the fireworks won’t be returning, but organizers have something up their sleeve and you have to be there to see it.

“We have one big surprise that will Light Up your night,” says Shelstad.

There's a 50-50 draw with proceeds going to Big Hill Haven. As well, the future women's shelter will be the benefactor of a Light Up Online Auction.

Parade of Lights

Just around the corner is the Parade of Lights, returning to the Historic Downtown on Saturday, Dec. 8.

Registration is now open and more entries are needed to make this another memorable evening for Cochranites.

To book your entry, please contact Raelle at 587-586-7944 or Stephenie at 403-463-4226.