We're starting to learn a few more details about Cochrane Light Up 2020. 

The annual event, which typically draws thousands of people to our downtown core, will run on Sat. Dec. 5 starting at 5 p.m.

Organizers have had to make a shift this year because of COVID-19. 

Stephenie Shelstad with Cochrane Light Up says it is a virtual event where every Cochranite can take part from their home by participating in the Light Up Wave.

"We are going to be putting out a schedule of community or areas. Because there's almost 30 communities in Cochrane, we're never going to be able to make it though all of them so we're going to group some communities together and we'll do a schedule of when we're going to be doing a shout out to them."

"When we do your shout out, we want you out on your deck, we want you making noise, we want you banging on pots and pans, we want you to turn on all your Christmas lights and make lots of noise."

Shelstad says they want people to interact with each other. 

"While you're at home celebrating Cochrane Light Up we want to see your pictures of what you're doing, what your favourite hot dogs are, your hot chocolate, what some of your family traditions are. Then we're going to take everybody who sends in pictures and then draw for prizes."

She says they're looking to businesses who are wanting to help with prizing to reach out and email Stephenie at cochranelightup@gmail.com.

"I can't stress enough how much to stay at home and our surprise will be shared among everybody for the entire Christmas season." 

Shelstad says we'll all have to stay tuned to the live event and a surprise will be revealed at around 6 p.m.

Light Up organizers have divided Cochrane into different divisions and residents are being asked to light up their homes and make some noise at their designated time.

Light up 2020

NOTE: Riverview is included in the Central division, which will be at 5:25 p.m.