Whoop-Up Days festivities kicked off on Thursday

Whoop-Up Days 2021 has officially kicked off in Lethbridge. This year’s festivities include the mid way, food trucks, live entertainment, and a handmade market. Admission and parking are free this year, however, the midway is expected to be smaller in size due to the on-going construction of the new Agri-food Hub and Trade Centre. 

Lethbridge & District Exhibition CEO, Mike Warkentin, says there is something for everyone at this year’s festival. 

“What people can expect this year is our midway is back, finally after two years. Secondly, we’ve got our Heritage Hall entertainment kicking off on the Gas King Stage nightly, outdoors we have the Hickory Street Pig Pen Patio who will be serving up some southern barbeque. Next, we have our Whoop-Up Days Marketplace happening in the Main Pavilion. Lastly, everybody’s favourite from 2019, we’ve got our food truck alley,” says Warkentin.

“What I will say to guests, it is a scaled down midway this year, part of that is so we can space it out more to give everyone that comfort level bringing everyone out.” 

As well, Lethbridge and District Exhibition have added a few COVID-19 safety measures will also be in place over the weekend. 

The new measures include mandatory temperature screening upon entrance, if you have a temp higher than 38 degrees, you’ll be asked to sit in a ‘chill zone’ for a few minutes before getting re-checked, if you then measure above 38, you’ll be asked to leave the event. AHS will be offering its vaccination clinic throughout the weekend. Exhibition Park is reminding people to stay home if you’re sick, masks are highly recommended, practice physical distancing, and wash your hands regularly. Staff will also be cleaning and sanitizing high touch points frequently. 

“With the rising number of COVID-19 cases and some of the challenges surrounding events have faced, with existing COVID-19 happening at them, we wanted to be extra cautious as we opened up so that we were sure to deliver Whoop-Up Days in a safe and responsible way,” added Warkentin.

Whoop-Up Days runs today until 11 p.m., as well as Friday and Saturday from noon to midnight. The Rocky Mountain Turf Club will be kicking off its fall meet with a day at the races on Sunday, Sept. 5 to round out the weekend.