Organizers of Whoop-Up days say this year’s festival is off to a fantastic start. “The weather has been cooperating 100 per cent,” said Paul Kingsmith, director of event development for Excite Lethbridge. “If anything, maybe a little hot, but beyond that we’ve had really, really great days so far.” Last year’s event saw a modern-day record with 54,865 people through the gates. While Kingsmith says this year’s attendance numbers are still being calculated, early signs are looking promising. “We’re thrilled to say that through three days we’re definitely right there, if not a little bit above where we were last year,” Kingsmith said Friday. However, organizers say the five-day festival isn’t about breaking records. Instead, Kingsmith says, the focus is on providing a high-value event for the entire community. “We think that attendance is the product of putting on a good show and people finding value in wanting to come out,” Kingsmith said. “We don’t go chasing the numbers, and I think that little distinction means that we’re always trying to make sure we’re tweaking things, we’re adding things, we’re building things for the value that you get to come to Whoop-Up Days.” Making the annual festival affordable for families is a key part of the organizational plan. To help reduce costs for consumers, organizers say partnerships like Free Til’ Three, which offered free admission from Tuesday to Thursday, are designed for that. Events such as the Siksikaitsitapi Powwow, marketplace, headliner entertainment, Strathcona Mounted Troop, Ride the Vibe and more are included with the price of admission. “Everything in life is so expensive, we know that dollars are tight and we want people to still come and feel like they are getting really great value,” Kingsmith said. With Friday night and Saturday still to go, the busiest portion of Whoop-Up Days is still on the horizon. The final stretch includes headlining entertainment performances by Default and Gord Bamford, along with two nights of the Lethbridge and District Pro Rodeo. “I would say we are trending towards another great year,” said Kynan Vine, producer of the pro rodeo. “The rodeo has been building momentum for the few years, so we hope to see that again this year.” In order for the festival to grow, Kingsmith says it needs the support of the community. “This show has grown so much in the last five years,” he said. “We’ve seen such amazing support from our community, and to continue to see that, keep on jumping and keep on growing – or at least stay where it is – that’s good news to us, and we love that the community continues to support us. “We’re so thankful for every single person that comes out.” Whoop-Up Days wraps up on Aug. 22 with a fireworks finale planned for 11 p.m.
