COMMITTEE UNVEILS PARADE THEME AND GRAND MARSHAL
This year’s parade is Monday, September 5, 2011. It is one of the most loved, longest-running spectacles in Cochrane’s history. It’s enjoyed by so many of us year after year not only because it serves as an accurate illustration of the character of our community, but because the event itself brings together ranchers and business people; youth and seniors; musicians and dancers; families, neighbours and friends, and an enormous army of volunteers.
The theme of this year’s event is “Pride of Cochrane”. This community has much to be proud of, and this past year, that theme has been ably reflected in the accomplishments of some of our most prominent citizens.
The 2011 Grand Marshal is Grant Profit, and he needs little introduction in this part of the world. A chuckwagon driver since 1986, he’s showing no signs of slowing down. In 2010 he placed third in the world professional standings with 27 top ten runs, including six first place runs. 2010 was a spectacular year for Grant as he posted wins at the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede, the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby and Edmonton’s Chuckwagon Derby. He established a new track record at the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby and for the second consecutive year had a horse named to the WPCA’s Equine Outfit of Excellence. He qualified for the sudden death championship final heat at the Ponoka Stampede and Edmonton’s Chuckwagon Derby, and had top 10 overall finishes at 9 show championships en route to a 3rd place finish in the World Standings. Grant is a two-time recipient of the WPCA’s Most Improved Driver Award, was runner-up for the World Chuckwagon Championship in 1999, and has 7 major victories on his resume. Grant has participated in EnCana’s WPCA/4-H Mentorship Opportunity annually since 2006 and works in the movie industry in the off-season. We are honoured to have him as our Grand Marshal, driving his chuckwagon rig with the Pride of Cochrane chuckwagon tarp. Grant will be ably supported by three other community giants.
Martin Parnell has single-handedly made national headlines when he raised almost $300,000 for an international children’s charity. In extreme weather – both hot and cold – in rain, snow and ice, and sometimes enduring painful injuries, Cochrane athlete Martin Parnell ran 250 marathons in 2010. In addition, he encouraged hundreds of Alberta students to get active and run with him, and through good humour, perseverance and determination, he raised money and awareness for “Right to Play”, a group that helps disadvantaged children around the world through sports and leadership activities. Please visit his website at www.marathonquest250.com.
Let’s also introduce renowned artist and mountain climber Glen Boles. Glen is a mountaineer, photographer and Alpine artist who has thrilled countless audiences across Canada with presentations and slide shows about his adventurous life. His art is critically acclaimed, and is featured in his book entitled My Mountain Album. His website is www.glenboles.com.
Next is Jack Tennant. He also needs little introduction in this community. A long-time newspaper columnist and publisher, he has served on numerous committees, foundations and volunteer boards in both Calgary and Morley. On the Stoney Nakoda Reserve he is so respected, that in 2006 he was awarded with an eagle’s feather to honour his work in bringing together the two communities.
Now to return to the Pride of Cochrane theme. We’re looking to Cochrane’s artists of all ages to submit poster ideas, illustrating the theme. The winning artist will receive a cash prize of $200. The artist will sign 100 posters , and then retain copies 1 through 20 to be sold at a table at the Lions Labour Day Rodeo venue.
The parade itself will also look a little different this year, with a lot more activity along the route. In the past we have had entertainment along the way to keep children entertained, but this year we’re ramping it up to involve even more members of the community.
Our website is www.cochraneparade.com, a good source for information on the parade route, poster contest, entry forms, stats and our new “Parade Flash” where you can sign-up to receive bulletins and parade updates. There is also an opportunity to sign-up as a volunteer. Hundreds of enthusiastic volunteers donate their time and skills each year to make the parade a success. Volunteers make the Cochrane Labour Day Parade happen. We can’t do it without you!
For more information about the 2011 Cochrane Labour Day Parade Committee visit www.cochraneparade.com.
