COCHIN — “It’s for the kids.” That is how it started; but big kids like to have fun, too, so over the years Cochin Days has grown into a three-day extravaganza of games, parties and events. That is, until the pandemic. Now a large contingent of volunteers is going to make it happen again.
Events are scheduled to run Aug. 12 to 14.
The kids will enjoy the bike parade (more than 200 children participated in the last one), free hot dogs, games on the beach, face painting, a bouncy castle, a sand sculpting contest and more. For the kids and adults there will be a social Friday night, including a magic show and musical entertainment, and there will be fireworks Saturday night. At the trade show you will find handmade articles, jewelry, home décor and food. There will be a pancake breakfast Sunday morning too, at a price families can afford. The boat parade, horseshoes, trade show and car show are all co-ordinated by volunteers. There will be prizes at many of the event.!
Some longtime and some new volunteers will co-ordinate, recruit other volunteers, donate their time and resources, and clean up after the events. The spaghetti eating contest, sadly, has been delayed for another year, but organizers hope to have a beer garden again, with musical entertainment.
The Cochin Days committee does raise money through their efforts, and then contribute toward community improvements like new playground equipment. Renovation of the tennis court is being studied, and the committee will consider channeling funds into that. They work separately from, but in consultation with, the village council. They gratefully receive donations, financial or in-kind, from local businesses.
Seasonal Cochin residents come year after year from Rosetown, Saskatoon, Biggar, and many other Saskatchewan towns, and former residents of the province return from Alberta, British Columbia and other provinces. Together they form a summer community that is safe and pleasant, and popular with tourists who are lucky enough to visit.
Cochin Days is a fabulous way to wind up a holiday. All you Cochin lovers out there can volunteer toward this wonderful three-day party by calling the village office at 306-386-2333, or just drop in and put your name and phone number on a sign-up sheet. There will be a poster at the Bigway store to help you decide how you are going to help. If you can offer even one or two hours, for example supervising at the bouncy castle, that will be a big help.
