Gates open for Whoop-Up Days 2025

Following Tuesday's parade, many made their way to the Agri-Food Hub and Trade Centre to take in the Whoop-Up Days action.

Eager attendees were waiting outside the Whoop-Up Days gates before they opened at noon.

After months of preparation, organizers were thrilled to see the first guests come through the gates.

It makes all the hard work and long hours worth it.

“To be at the heart of a community event like this, it’s just wonderful. I mean, everyone’s happy, ready to ride rides, come to the family fun zone, get great food. It’s just such a good time,” said Kaira Cale, Lethbridge and District Exhibition manager of event development.

It was a quick turnaround for West Coast Amusements to get the midway ready in time.

After a long drive from North Battleford, they had just two days to get the grounds ready.

Despite the time crunch, everything was ready to go by the time guests made it to the midway.

“Two days is ideal. That way our guys don’t have to work as hard, you know? And then everything gets cleaned. Then just a little bit more attention to detail. And the guys work really, really hard on inspecting and maintaining,” said Robert Hauser, West Coast Amusements president and CEO.

There will be extra time to head to the grounds this year.

The midway will be open for the first time on Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. for the Whoop-Up Wrap-Up with discounted $5 tickets.

“So far, we’ve heard great things. I think it’s going to be a busy day. It’s just an extra day for the families to come out, enjoy the midway, some extra food,” said Cale.

Admission for Whoop-Up Days is free until 3 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday.