More than 1,500 people kicked off the Whoop-Up Day’s festivities Tuesday by attending the fourth annual Mayor’s Barbecue.
According to City of Lethbridge administration, this year, 1,637 people were served at the event.
Mayor Blaine Hyggen held the inaugural event in 2021 after he was elected mayor and says it is a way to bring the community together.
“I’ve always, from being first elected as a councillor, thought of different ways that we can just bring the community together. Turn aside partisans, whatever ones you have, and just get together, have a burger, meet with some friends, listen to Trevor Panzac on the step, and this year get a signing from Chanse Vegan as a World Truck Wagon Champion and Rangeland Derby Champion,” Hyggen says. “So it’s just a chance to get together after the parade and meet all the other people that are within our community.”
Hyggen adds that the event is also an opportunity for himself and members of council to chat with people in the community, because everyone is in such a concentrated space.
“I was in [the food] line and I ran into a lady who is a new Canadian, and it’s amazing to see the diversity we have within our community. She said this is the first big party-type event that she’s ever been to.”
According to the mayor, this is an example of the conversations he looks forward to having at the barbecue.
