From bike and boat parades to craft sales, fireworks. face painting and sports, there's a little bit of everything at Cochin Days. (Village of Cochin website)

By Martin Martinson

Summer fun

Cochin Days this weekend celebrates best of summer in community

Aug 11, 2023 | 10:25 AM

Cochin Days are just around the corner, kicking off Friday and running through the weekend in the Resort Village of Cochin.

One of the longest-running summer traditions in the northwest, Cochin Days started back in 1980 as a way to bring people together, offer entertainment to residents and summer visitors, and raise funds for local projects.

“I’ve been here since I was little and I’ve seen the whole community coming together every year for this event, whether they’re from Saulteaux, Moosomin, Meota, Aquadeo, North Battleford, Edam,” said committee member, Donna-Marie Frassetto. “You meet people from all over the area.”

From co-ed slow-pitch, horseshoes, and volleyball tournaments, to events for the kids including a Family Fun Magic Show, Kid’s Bike Parade, and bouncy castles, there’s no shortage of things going on over the three days.

“There’s kind of a little bit of something for everybody,” Frassetto said. “From the athlete side of things to the community side of things, the arts, and a number of family-friendly events, with the boat parade and fireworks, and then the pancake breakfast which has always been a hit.”

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Frassetto is also the organizer of the Family Movie Night, one of the opening-day activities, Friday. Taking place at the Cochin Community Hall at 7 p.m., the movie will be a showing of Disney Pixar’s Luca, and is free to attend – as are many of the events – with those planning to attend just asked to bring their own chair/blanket/etc.

Committee member, Elaine Krieger who organizes the Scavenger Hunt Saturday, said since it began back in 2016, they have seen a steady turnout of 20-plus teams come out, with 21 the first three years, and 24 last year.

“We don’t have a limit on the number of people who have to be on a team, so sometimes it’s two, sometimes it’s a family, and it’s really just to get people out there in the community, interacting with others and having fun,” she said.

Krieger added that the weekend as a whole always brings with it an air of excitement, as a special part of the summer for many.

“We advertise next year’s dates for Cochin Days pretty much as soon as this year’s over so people can plan their holidays because they do plan them around Cochin Days,” she said.

“We really focus on the kids being able to participate and not having to spend a lot of money doing any of the activities, just getting out and having fun. It’s very volunteer-driven and there are lots of activities for all ages, so we hope to see lots of people.”

Mitchell’s Bacon Cook-off

Among the new events this year is the Mitchell’s Bacon Battle: The Ultimate Cook-Off, happening from 3:30-7 p.m. Saturday.

The event will feature a showdown of bacon recipes that were submitted by listeners of the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group radio stations. The contest will be emceed by Grant Schutte of CJNB Mornings, who will introduce the contestants, recipes and judges, while Brad Best of Q98 Mornings will be live on-location at the event to provide coverage to the on-air audience and interview the winner.

“The Bacon Battle is going to be the highlight,” Schutte said, looking ahead to the weekend. “Maybe not the greatest afternoon for vegetarians, but for people like me who love bacon, this is going to be an amazing event, you’ve got to stop in and see it.”

For a full schedule of events happening at this year’s Cochin Days, visit the Village of Cochin Facebook page, or website and scroll down the page.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1