Record attendance at Lethbridge & District Pro Rodeo highlights busy year at Whoop-Up Days
Lethbridge, Alta. – Whoop-Up Days 2024 was a celebration to remember for Lethbridge and southern Alberta, with attendance topping 40,000 people for just the second time in recent years. A total of 40,178 people attended the five-day fair from Aug. 20 to 24, taking in a wide variety of events and attractions designed for all ages.
The year was highlighted by a new record attendance at the Lethbridge & District Pro Rodeo presented by Dennis’ Dirtworx, where more than 6,100 people attended three action-packed nights of Canadian Pro Rodeo action. Attendance at both events highlights the significant role they play in Lethbridge.
“Whoop-Up Days is where our community has come together for decades, and this year’s event shows how important it continues to be for Lethbridge and area,” says Kim Gallucci, interim CEO, Lethbridge & District Exhibition. “Whoop-Up Days and the Lethbridge & District Pro Rodeo highlight our community’s agricultural roots and culture, and we are proud that people come out in large numbers to celebrate together.”
In 2024, Whoop-Up Days returned to a paid admission model following one year of free admission, which resulted in a modern record attendance of 77,263 in 2023. The 2024 attendance surpasses the 37,536 visitors in 2019, which was the previous recent high for a paid-admission show.
Helping to drive attendance in 2024 were new and improved attractions, including the return of headliner entertainment to the Original 16 Stage presented by Westco Construction, including Big Sugar, Emerson Drive and Kyle McKearney; a larger midway from West Coast Amusements; increased offerings in the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre; and Free ‘Til 3 Fuelled by Gas King, which offered free admission to the park until 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
“Our focus is on providing entertainment for all ages and listening to our community about what they want to see at Whoop-Up Days,” says Paul Kingsmith, Director, Community Engagement, Lethbridge & District Exhibition. “The return of headliner music entertainment certainly helped our attendance, as did increased crowds at the Siksikaitsitapi Powwow and the Lethbridge & District Pro Rodeo. We also saw a large increase in corporate partnership, which helps to show how much our community values this event and we are thrilled with the reaction from our community.”
In its third year, the Lethbridge & District Pro Rodeo presented by Dennis’ Dirtworx continues to grow in popularity and is gaining traction as a must-attend summer event. One of Canada’s top-paying rodeos, the event drew some of the best rodeo competitors in North America, including four-time World Saddle Bronc Champion Zeke Thurston, taking on championship caliber stock from Duane Kesler Championship Rodeo. On Saturday night, the rodeo set a new single-day attendance record with 2,671 guests attending the show. This year’s attendance of 6,167 surpasses the previous high of 5,116 in 2023.
Lethbridge & District Exhibition 50/50 Lottery in support of Lethbridge Family Services
One lucky winner has received a boost of more than $23,000 after being randomly selected as the winner of the Lethbridge & District Exhibition 50/50 Lottery. Randy Hiebert had his name pulled when the draw took place on Tuesday morning. His total prize is $23,825 after nearly $48,000 worth of tickets were sold.
Hiebert took home half of the pot, while 2024 charitable partner Lethbridge Family Services, and Lethbridge & District Exhibition will each benefit from the other half.
Lethbridge & District Exhibition celebrated its 125-year history by launching the Lethbridge & District Exhibition Lotteries program in 2022.
Whoop-Up Days Parade winners
A picture-perfect morning brightened the spirits of those who attended the Whoop-Up Days Parade presented by Park Place Shopping Centre. Attendees were treated to a stunning display of more than 100 entries, led by parade marshal Duane Kesler. The Lethbridge & Area Métis Association’s entry, which caught many eyes with the sight of a man riding a bison, rose above the rest, earning the Grand Aggregate Trophy as top entry as chosen by the parade judges.
“The parade really helps put Lethbridge and southern Alberta on display,” says Gallucci. “Seeing local businesses, organizations and people all come together is great for community spirit and we were wowed by how many viewers came out to cheer on participants.”
Category winners included:
· Children & Youth: Peak Elite Cheerleading
· Historical: Standing Alone Family
· Comic and Novelty: D Signs & Design Services
· Small Commercial: Cookie Crimes Ice Creamery
· Equine: Southern Alberta Trailriders
· Visiting: City of Cranbrook
· Large commercial: Southland Trailers
· Community: Lethbridge & Area Métis Association
· Most entertaining: Lethbridge BMX
· Grand aggregate: Lethbridge & Area Métis Association
Looking forward
Whoop-Up Days returns to Lethbridge & District Exhibition in 2025, from Aug. 19 to 23, while the Lethbridge & District Pro Rodeo will run from Aug. 21 to 23.
More information about Whoop-Up Days is available at whoopupdays.ca.
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