There was a magical feeling in the air on Saturday night (November 18) as record numbers came to celebrate the start of Cochrane's holiday season.

The 33rd annual Light Up blasted through a record number of hot dogs, cups of hot chocolate and bags of chips as attendees flooded the streets and stores of Historic downtown. 

Co-organizer of five years, Stephenie Shelstad felt this was by far the best Light Up adding even Mother Nature cooperated after an afternoon of windy conditions."This year I think the biggest thing that surprised me was that the entire street was full. Down the side streets, both ends were full, everybody was busy, lineups were everywhere. The number of older people out, I think Mother Nature played a factor in that, families young and old, all different diverse groups. It was amazing."

Although the Cochrane community continues to grow, Shelstad feels the organization of Light Up gets better year after year despite the increase in attendees. "Every year we always improve a little better; the fire pots were very happy this year we're getting everything out as quick as we could, everything was very well organized and where it was supposed to be."

Light Up is one event that continues to bring old and new residents together creating the community feel that Cochrane is well known for, shares Heavenly Outhouse, owner Karrie Peace. "Light Up is the best event of the year for Historic Downtown. People love this event and we saw more than ever new people living in Cochrane and they are so impressed by the community and by the sense of belonging."

From a business standpoint, Peace shares sales were the best she has seen. "We had more people in the store than we have ever had before, staff that was scheduled to leave had to stay we couldn't do without them. It's definitely a bright spot in the year and it starts off Christmas sales with a bang. I wish we had more events like this in Historic downtown."

Suzanne Goyetche, Town of Cochrane Visitor Guide, shared she chatted with people from Airdrie, Calgary, Banff and as far away as Japan and Korea; with the sentiment being the same. "People commented on how wonderful the food vendors were...the kids loved the face painting and Santa. Several mentioned how cool it was that so many came out to support the event. A few mentioned the lights that the Town put up to make the street pretty and the fire pots. Everyone that came through the Centre was very happy and in a great mood."

Although the street festival is wrapped up, an online auction continues through to next Monday, November 27 where 100% proceeds are used to adopt families in the Cochrane community. In the past organizers have reached out to school administrators for nominees and been able to fulfil Christmas wish lists for 5 to 7 families.

If you would like to check out the auction you can do so here, all items were generously donated by individuals and businesses from the Cochrane area.