This Year’s Theme: Grow Up Western
For 2024, floats and participants are encouraged to decorate, dress, and dream all things Western. The parade’s theme is ‘Grow Up Western,’ which echoes the official song of Whoop-Up Days 2024, written and performed by Lethbridge’s own Cody Hall.
When you grow up here, you "Grow Up Western". Join us in celebrating this culture. Embrace the opportunity to showcase your connection to this enduring spirit, whether through colorful displays, lively performances, or creative representations. Let us come together to honor our shared heritage and celebrate the values that unite us as a community.
Sign along as Cody Hall performs from the Southland Trailers' Stage during the parade!
WHOOP-UP DAYS PARADE
August 20 | 9 AM
Starting Location: Park Place Mall
Kick off the week at the annual Whoop-Up Days Parade presented by Park Place Shopping Centre and feel the community spirit!
The Whoop-Up Days Parade is the iconic start to Lethbridge’s most popular and longest-running community fair. Showcasing the people, businesses, and organizations who call Lethbridge home, the parade is a celebration of the region’s heritage and future.
Cheer On Your Favourite Floats & Celebrate
Beginning at Park Place Shopping Centre, the traditional parade route travels south along 3rd St S, east on 3rd Ave S, north on 13th St N, then east on 9th Ave N, dispersing at the Galbraith Elementary School.
Parade Marshal | Duane Kesler
A true embodiment of western spirit, Lethbridge & District Exhibition is proud to announce Duane Kesler as Honorary Parade Marshal for the 2024 Whoop-Up Days Parade, presented by Park Place Shopping Centre. Kesler is a third-generation rodeo stock contractor who has raised some of the greatest bucking stock in Canadian rodeo history from his ranch near Raymond.
Kesler’s ties to Lethbridge & District Exhibition run deep as his Duane Kesler Championship Rodeo Stock has served as stock contractor to the Lethbridge & District Pro Rodeo since its return in 2022. Kesler also provided stock to the Whoop-Up Days Bucking and Barrels program in the 2010s and the Whoop-Up Days Pro Rodeo prior to that. Duane’s father, Greg, and grandfather, Reg, each also served as stock contactors for the Lethbridge rodeo as the family cemented its name as being synonymous with championship rodeo in Canada. Kesler will again supply the stock for the 2024 Lethbridge & District Pro Rodeo, presented by Dennis’ Dirtworx.
“It is an honour to be thought of in this manner,” says Kesler. “I have been a part of Lethbridge & District Exhibition since I was four years old and I am proud to say I have lived in southern Alberta my whole life. I truly could not think of a better place to call home.”
Kesler is a multi-time winner of the Canadian Pro Rodeo Association Stock Contractor of the Year award, including having earned the honour in each of the last two seasons. He has supplied bucking stock to the Canadian Finals Rodeo, the National Finals Rodeo, and countless other major rodeos across North America. His commitment to animal welfare and raising the bar on rodeo production makes him a legend in rodeo circles.
