High-profile music entertainment, Lethbridge & District Pro Rodeo, and wide-ranging indigenous programming highlight 2024 event
Lethbridge, Alta. – There will be something for everyone as Whoop-Up Days returns to the Lethbridge & District Exhibition campus with familiar favourites and new, exciting programming from Aug. 20-24.
Highlights include the Lethbridge & District Pro Rodeo from Aug. 22-24, the Siksikaitsitapi Princess Pageant on Aug. 20 and Powwow on Aug. 21-22, the West Coast Amusements midway, and the Original 16 Stage, which will be rocking for all five days, showcasing the best local Alberta musical talent, alongside headlining performances from Canadian legends Emerson Drive and Big Sugar, as well as up-and-coming country star Kyle McKearney.
“For decades, Whoop-Up Days has brought the Lethbridge and southern Alberta community together in celebration, and we know this year will do the same,” says Kim Gallucci, Lethbridge & District Exhibition acting CEO. “Our team is focused on providing a great guest experience, and building entertainment that will thrill people of all ages. The countdown is on towards this incredible event.”
In 2024, Whoop-Up Days returns to a paid admission model, however, efforts have been made to ensure it remains an affordable and inclusive experience. Free ‘Til 3 fuelled by Gas King is a new initiative that allows everyone onto the grounds for free from noon to 3 p.m. from Aug. 20-22. Additionally, youth aged 12 and under are always free, while advanced pricing is in effect from now through Aug. 19.
“With these changes, we are building a sustainable experience for this community to ensure Whoop-Up Days remains a staple for generations to come,” says Gallucci. “We want to thank Gas King for supporting our vision, and creating the Free ‘Til 3 initiative, which helps ensure everyone is able to enjoy Whoop-Up Days.”
Tickets are on-sale now at Lethbridge and area Gas King locations and online at whoopupdays.ca.
Programming in 2024 includes:
Original 16 Stage presented by Great Western Brewing
The Original 16 Stage hosts an on-going party for all five days of Whoop-Up Days, with incredible entertainment included with gate admission. Saturday, Aug. 24th’s rodeo wrap-up party will be headlined by Emerson Drive, one of Canada’s most successful country bands of the past 20 years, who will make their final southern Alberta appearance as part of their “One for the Road” farewell tour.
On Friday, Aug. 23, Canadian rock legends Big Sugar will take the stage, playing hits from a career that has made them one of Canada’s most successful bands of the past 30 years. Songs like ‘Diggin’ A Hole’, ‘If I Had My Way’, ‘Turn the Lights On’ and ‘Roads Ahead’ have become Canadian roots/rock/reggae staples, while featuring Gordie Johnson’s signature guitar playing.
On Thursday, Aug. 22, up-and-coming Alberta country star Kyle McKearney will headline the evening’s entertainment. McKearney won the 2023 Canadian Country Music Award for Alternative Country Album of the Year, and earned Album of the Year honours at the 2024 Country Music Alberta Awards.
Throughout the rest of the week, some of Alberta’s top independent artists will take the stage, while original entertainment from the Blackfoot Confederacy will be featured from 3:30-6 p.m. daily. The full Original 16 Stage lineup is available at whoopupdays.ca.
Lethbridge & District Pro Rodeo presented by Dennis’ Dirtworx
The Lethbridge & District Pro Rodeo, returns from Aug. 22-24, following a record-breaking attendance year in 2023. One of Canada’s top 10 paying rodeos, the annual event features some of the top names in the rodeo world, from producer Kynan Vine, to stock contractor Duane Kesler, to announcer Dave Paulson, who have all been involved with multiple Canadian Finals Rodeos and Calgary Stampedes.
Lethbridge’s burgeoning reputation and late-season scheduling make it an ideal stop for competitors, with World, Canadian and Calgary Stampede champions dotting the lineup each night. Of note, the Lethbridge & District Pro Rodeo is also the only rodeo in the country to include Relay Races, a thrilling traditional Indigenous competition, as part of each rodeo performance.
Rodeo tickets include admission to Whoop-Up Days and are on sale now.
Blackfoot Confederacy programming
Lethbridge’s location on Blackfoot Territory will once again be celebrated with a series of events through a partnership with the Blackfoot Confederacy. The Siksikaitsitapi Princess Pageant takes place on Aug. 20, followed by the Siksikaitsitapi Pow Wow on Aug. 21-22, where dancers, drummers and princess pageant contestants compete for more than $60,000 in prize money. As well, each night of the Lethbridge & District Pro Rodeo will be capped off with the always exciting Relay Races, a thrilling traditional Indigenous competition. And the Blackfoot Confederacy will program the Original 16 Stage from 3:30-6 p.m. each day.
Family fun for all ages
Whoop-Up Days brings together exciting entertainment for people of all ages. The Whoop-Up Days Parade kicks things off at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 20, beginning from Park Place Shopping Centre. 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. Hall’s song details the feeling that even if you don’t live a traditionally ‘western’ lifestyle, there is still something special about growing up in the west.
The West Coast Amusements midway returns with more than 30 thrilling rides and games, including new rides never before seen in Lethbridge. The cheapest unlimited ride wristbands of the season can be purchased now at southern Alberta Gas King locations.
Other highlights include the return of the Wildlife Festival; the Extreme Dogs show that runs three times daily; Jumbo Ears presented by ATB Financial; the Whoop-Up Days Marketplace; the new Family Fun Zone in the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre; the Original 16 Patio and Lounge; the Food Truck Zone presented by First Choice Savings and Credit Union; the Fireworks Finale presented by WCA and ATB Wealth Management on Aug. 24; and much more, with additional announcements in the coming months.
To learn more, visit whoopupdays.ca.
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