Lethbridge’s annual summer celebration kicks-off this week, as Whoop-Up Days 2024 officially begins Tuesday.
Tomorrow morning, the Whoop-Up Days Parade starts at 9 a.m. from Park Place Mall. Head on over to City Hall after the parade for the Mayor’s Community Barbecue for free hamburgers, hotdogs, beverages, chips and face painting plus live entertainment from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Mayor Blaine Hyggen reminds everyone to have their stretchy pants on because there’s going to be a lot of pancake breakfasts and barbecues throughout the week. “I’m sure everybody’s looking forward to elephant ears and the different foods out at the midway.”
This is the time of year when the community comes together, says Hyggen. “It’s our big festival of the year. Just to have everybody out and see smiling faces. Just to have everyone together and take the time to enjoy each other’s company.”
Anybody that has been to the Whoop-Up Days Parade knows the energy it brings, adds Paul Kingsmith from Lethbridge and District Exhibition.
“This year, we have over 90 floats registered already, which is fantastic. We have delegates from across the province. It’s going to be an exciting time. We have Duane Kesler as our parade marshal. Duane is one of Canada’s very best stock contractors of all time. With his roots right here in southern Alberta. Having him lead the way is exciting,” notes Kingsmith.
Kingsmith says this year’s theme, “Grow Up Western” ties into the Whoop-Up Days theme song, which was provided by local artist Cody Hall. “It celebrates the western culture that runs through all of southern Alberta and Lethbridge. The parade is going to be a great time.”
Last year’s attendance at Whoop-Up Days was 77,000 people, says Kingsmith. “Which was a modern-day record for attendance. Last year, we had free admission. This year, we’ve switched away from that. We don’t anticipate we’ll hit the same attendance numbers this year.”
Last year, Kingsmith adds, was so busy on the grounds and lineups were very long. “If it’s down in that 30,000 to 35,000 range for attendance this year, that would be a wildly successful show.”
On-site parking for Whoop-Up Days is free, but limited. Visitors are encouraged to use public transit, ride shares, e-scooters or bikes or carpool. New this year is a Bike Check, where guests can leave their bikes in a secure location in the old Safety City location for a donation.
For those with limited mobility, drop-off loops are located at both the south entrance and at the Agri-food Hub and Trade Centre. As well, a dedicated rodeo entrance has been created for those who are attending the rodeo.
West Coast Amusements is also going cashless at their concessions and games, Kingsmith explains. “You can still bring cash and you can still buy concessions and games, but it’s all through digital kiosks. Cash is still accepted across the midway.”
“You go to a digital kiosk and you’ll get a bracelet printed out. It’s easy to reload and it’s good for the rides, games and concession stands. It’s really a modern system,” says Kingsmith.
