Whoop-Up Days Parade Application

About Us

For over a century, the Whoop-Up Days Parade has united our region in a celebratory kick-off of Whoop-Up Days. Highlighting the vibrant tapestry of individuals, businesses, and organizations within our community, the parade stands as a symbol of our rich cultural diversity, storied heritage, and forward-thinking spirit.

Celebrating Southern Alberta 

People of many different backgrounds make up Southern Alberta, but they all share the essence of Western culture and spirit that runs deep within those who call this area home. From the windswept prairies to the rugged peaks of the Rockies, this land shapes the character of its people, instilling in them a resilient and adventurous nature. Whether clad in denim and boots or donning a suit and tie, the values of hard work, independence, and community permeate every facet of life.  
 
Rooted in the Indigenous communities who have called this land home from time immemorial, through to a legacy of ranching, agriculture, and frontier spirit, Southern Albertans carry with them a sense of pride in their heritage and a commitment to preserving their traditions. It's not just a way of life; it's a part of who we are, woven into the very fabric of their being, embodying the enduring spirit of the West. 
 
When you grow up here, you "Grow Up Western". Join us in celebrating this culture as we extend a heartfelt invitation to floats and participants to join our parade festivities. Embrace the opportunity to showcase your connection to this enduring spirit, whether through colorful displays, lively performances, or creative representations. Let us come together to honor our shared heritage and celebrate the values that unite us as a community.  

Parade Theme

The theme for the 2024 Whoop-Up Days Parade is "Grow Up Western." We encourage floats and participants to unleash their creativity by decorating and dressing in attire that embodies the timeless "Grow Up Western" theme.

Parade Route

The traditional parade route begins at Park Place Mall, travels along 3rd Avenue South and 13th Street North, and ends at Galbraith Elementary School.

 

 

Registration 

Entry Details

Parade Details

We encourage floats and participants to unleash their creativity by decorating and dressing in attire that embodies the timeless "Grow Up Western" theme of this year’s parade, infusing each entry with the authentic spirit of Southern Alberta's Western heritage. 

Only political officials who have been elected to an office will be invited to participate in the Whoop-Up Days parade.

Parade entries should bring value to the audience and therefore need to be of quality, family-friendly, entertaining, inclusive, and must carry a message of goodwill.

Entries that promote negativity or demonstrate offensive or polarizing opinions or beliefs are not permitted. No entry may depict anything controversial or otherwise offensive.

The final determination of all parade entries is at the sole discretion of Lethbridge & District Exhibition.

Rules & Regulations

Registration Deadline

Lethbridge & District Exhibition must receive your application with a full description, including a photograph or rendering and signature, to be an accepted application. The final deadline is Friday, Aug. 9 (or when 125 applications have been received).

Insurance 

All entries must provide a Certificate of Insurance. This includes:

• Comprehensive General Liability Insurance with a minimum of $2,000,000
• If vehicles are used, Automobile Liability Insurance with a minimum of $2,000,000
• ­Insurance must name “Lethbridge & District Exhibition” & the “City of Lethbridge”, as additional insured parties.

Parking 

Parking is always one of our biggest challenges on parade day. There is no parking at the Park Place Mall parking lot, and parking in the immediate area will be on a first come, first served basis. We strongly suggest you meet your participants at separate location and carpool to the marshalling area at Park Place Mall. 

Details regarding a shuttle service will be released in the coming months.

Drop-Off Only Area 

Details will be provided in your confirmation package. We strongly encourage you to meet your party at another location and ride together to the marshalling area. For safety reasons, there will be no drop-off of parade participants at Park Place Mall or Toys R Us.

Marshalling Area

The parade entrance is on 1st Avenue South and 3rd Street South between the old Sears building and Toys R Us. Only entries that have a category card issued by Lethbridge & District Exhibition will be allowed in this area.

All entrants must be in the marshalling area no later than 8 a.m. as the roads will be closed at this time to prepare for the start of the parade. Please keep in mind that judging starts at 7:45 AM.

All instructions made by parade officials must be obeyed. Failure to do so may result in removal from the parade and a ban from future parades. There is zero tolerance for abusing or harassing our volunteers.

Maximum Entry Dimensions

• Maximum of one vehicle per entry
• Maximum 45 feet in length
• Maximum 15 feet in height (from ground level) to ensure your entry will fit under the 13th Street underpass

Judging 

Entry judging will commence at 7:45 AM sharp. Your category card must be visible at all times on the right passenger side of your entry.

Parade Entries

The purpose of a parade is to provide entertainment for our community. All entries should bring value to the audience and therefore need to be family friendly, entertaining, inclusive and inspiring.

Entries that promote negative, offensive or polarizing views are not permitted. No entry may depict anything political, religious, controversial, or otherwise offensive. Determination is at the sole discretion of Lethbridge & District Exhibition. Lethbridge & District Exhibition reserves the right to reject any entries.

All parade entries must be a minimum of 80% decorated in order to participate. 

If you are unsure about your entry or how it may be presented, please contact wudparade@agrifoodhub.ca.

Alcoholic Beverages & Prohibited Drugs

Alcohol and prohibited drugs are forbidden. Participants whom our parade officials believe have consumed alcohol or prohibited drugs prior to or during the parade will be removed and not be accepted in future years.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted by any parade participants during the parade.

Parade Position

Parade position will be chosen by officials on a first-come, first-served basis. In all scenarios, Lethbridge & District Exhibition will have the final decision.

Equestrian Entries

Drop-off instructions and directions for equine entries ONLY will be communicated upon acceptance and confirmation. Please make sure that you have a pooper scooper to clean up after your entry.

Parade Safety

It is prohibited to throw items (including candy) or squirt water guns from your entry. You may walk to the side of the road to hand out items to spectators. Violators will not be allowed to submit an entry for the following year.

Please be sure your vehicle is in proper working condition, and the driver has proper visibility and ventilation.

Every float participant must have appropriate body support, seat belt or handholds bolted to the float. The use of railings around the perimeter of the deck is recommended. Skateboarders, rollerbladers, and bikers must wear helmets and protective gear and are NOT allowed to be towed by any float or vehicle.

All motorized vehicles and self-propelled floats must have at minimum a 10lb, chemical fire extinguisher that was inspected within the past year, in accordance with NFPA Article 10. It needs to be sealed and tagged to indicate the date of last service.

No entry may be more than 15 feet in height (from ground level) to ensure it will be able to fit under the 13th Street underpass.

Provisions for emergency towing must be made available on all motorized entries (i.e. towing hook and chain), and all hitches must be properly equipped with a safety chain.

The ultimate responsibility for safety lies with each individual entry. Entries must comply with all rules and regulations, safety codes, manufacturer’s recommendations and similar standards.

Application Submission

This entry is subject and bound to all parade rules & regulations. The applicant, having read the policies, rules & regulations understands they form part of this contract, as entered into with Lethbridge & District Exhibition.