The Cochrane Labour Day Monday Parade didn't wind through the downtown core this year but it received a regular stream of spectators as a stationary event.

The weather didn't fully cooperated, but it wasn't about to dampen the community spirit that is the backbone of the annual parade.

Twenty-eight floats and displays are located in the parking lot of the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre until 2 p.m. today (Monday, Sept. 7). This innovative approach has added a completely different twist to the Labour Day tradition. Instead of the floats whipping by, spectators are able to stop and visit and learn about opportunities in the Cochrane area.

Jag Thind, of Mehtab East Indian Cuisine, says he was honored to be named parade marshall and impressed with the number of people taking the float tour.

"There's hardly anything happening this year, so it's great for see Cochrane Area Events Society (CAES) use positive thinking and come up with a different style to allow the parade to go forward. It's different, but it's great."

For years now, CAES has sponsored and organized the parade. This adds a twist, but it was all worthwhile for the organizers.

"It's a fun place and it's full of entertainment, and dancing and music, and we're encouraging everyone to come by," says Marina Chabbert, of CAES.

"In a rolling parade, you can't talk to people, but here you can stop, you can have a bit of conversation, and thank them for being part of our community."