Whoop-Up Days parade back with style

By Lethbridge Herald on August 23, 2022.

Representatives from southern Alberta Blackfoot Chief and Councils headed up the procession as honourary parade marshalls as the annual Whoop-Up Days parade returned to city streets for the first time since 2019. Herald photo by Ry Clarke

LETHBRIDGE HERALD –

The Whoop-Up Days parade hit the streets of Lethbridge Tuesday to the delight of throngs of spectators eager to celebrate after a two-year pandemic hiatus.

People began picking their spots in prime locations on 3 Avenue well before the 9 a.m. start at Park Place Mall.

The parade celebrated the 125th anniversary of the Lethbridge and District Exhibition. Businesses and organizations were asked to create floats that represented their history and origins.

After early morning thunderstorms and rain, the skies cleared in time for the parade to go off without a hitch as people of all ages lined sidewalks in chairs or standing to celebrate the kick-off of Lethbridge’s annual summer fair.

Sarah Amies and staff at the Downtown Business Revitalization Zone filled the plates of dozens of visitors as that organization hosted an early-morning pancake breakfast in Festival Square.

The lengthy parade – which lasted about 45 minutes – featured a wide range of community and business-oriented floats.

Parade marshalls were Chief Roy Fox of the Kainai Nation, Chief Stanley Grier from the Piikani Nation, and Chief Ouray Crowfoot from the Siksika Nation.

Several politicians rode in the parade including Lethbridge mayor Blaine Hyggen and deputy mayor Jenn Schmidt-Rempel on horseback. Acting mayor Belinda Crowson waved at crowds from another float entry. Lethbridge UCP MLA for Lethbridge East Nathan Neudorf also participated as did Conservative MP for Lethbridge Rachael Thomas. Lethbridge West NDP MLA Shannon Phillips walked the parade route.

Lethbridge police chief Shahin Mehdizadeh and members of The Watch walked in the parade along with new police dog Bridge.

UCP leadership candidate Travis Toews also was present.

The parade had a strong Indigenous and multicultural presence with entries from various groups.

The parade had floats from the Blood Tribe, Piikani Nation, and an Orange Shirt Day float which closed the parade.

The Town of Vulcan’s float paid tribute to its to Star Trek Station tourist centre which earned the town the title of “Official Star Trek Capital of Canada” in 2010.

Peak Elite Cheerleading celebrated “10 Years of Cheers” giving attendants a few performances as they went, dazzling audiences with their coordination and skills.

There was plenty of music to get people in the mood to celebrate, as well.