Whoop-Up Days is just around the corner and organizers are gearing up for what they anticipate will be another exciting year. In just a matter of days, the midway will once again be up and filled with thousands of visitors. Over the course of five days, tens of thousands of people will walk through the gates. “We are so excited right now,” said Excite Lethbridge event development director Paul Kingsmith. “It’s kind of this day when, you start really knowing that it’s next week,” Kingsmith added. “It starts to really feel like it. Yesterday we saw our first West Coast amusements truck roll in, and that’s always kind of like the sign that it’s here. And for us this is like Christmas season. We’re so excited.” This year will see the return of favourite foods, rides and more. It will also mark the return of the Strathcona Mounted Troop Musical Ride, which will hold shows at the Grandstand. “It’s really exciting to have them back,” said Kingsmith. “They haven’t been here in a number of years in quite a long time. “And so, to show that equine history of the Army and, the horsemanship that goes along with it, it fits right in perfectly with Whoop-Up Days -- so that’s one that we’re really excited to have.” This is also a milestone year for Whoop-Up Days in different ways. It marks the fifth year for the return of the pro rodeo and the introduction of the Pow Wow. Both have since gone on to become synonymous with Whoop-Up Days. “Those are a couple of milestones worth celebrating,” said Kingsmith. “And on that note, we will have a brand new parties that go along with Woof-Up Days, the Pow Wow and the rodeo.” Last year saw almost 55,000 attendees setting the modern attendance record for Whoop-Up Days. Organizers are expecting it be another strong year. “We’ve been running around getting everything set. The weekend’s going to be busy, but by Tuesday, this place is going to be perfectly set up. It’s going to be rocking. And we are just, super excited for everything that we have in store for Whoop-Up Days.” Whoop-Up Days starts Tuesday with the parade and runs until next Saturday. Early bird priced tickets will be available at Gas King until Monday. For more about Whoop-Up Days, go here.
