The streets of Cochrane were bright Thursday night as people took part in a longstanding tradition: a good old fashioned torch light parade.
It’s all part of the Cochrane Winter Carnival, one of the oldest winter celebrations in the province.
There isn't anything quite like the Cochrane torch light parade, with hundreds of people, torches held high, winding their way to the centre of town for a bonfire and a celebration of winter.
A trio of young girls told CTV News that they attend the parade every year and that their favourite part is the fireworks afterward.
“The fireworks were really awesome! I like the ones that went straight up and exploded!" said one of the girls.
The youngsters may not know it, but they're taking part in a tradition that dates back several decades.
What better way to shake off the deep freeze, than with a massive bonfire and hundreds of torches gladly supplied by the local fire hall?
"If you're the fire chief, the last thing you want to do is give 700 torches to people. They're walking down the streets with them, but believe it or not, we never have accidents." said Cochrane Fire Department Chief Richard Valle.
Local firefighters were even kind enough to light the bonfire themselves; all part of what people there say is the “Cochrane way.”
"We're going to do the event regardless of how many people show up. Our volunteer base believes in putting it on for fifty or five hundred." said Carnival Chair Darryl Owens.
"It's a really great opportunity for us to pick up that crescendo, get the steam going, get the energy going for the big grand finale weekend and really celebrate who we are as northerners." said Cochrane Mayor Peter Politis.
The fun will continue throughout the weekend with a number of events, including a demolition derby and polar dip. Most of all, people are content to get out and celebrate family and community.
