Whoop-Up Days Parade Application

About Us

For over a century, the Whoop-Up Days Parade has marked the start of Whoop-Up Days. Showcasing the individuals, businesses, and organizations that make a difference in our community, the parade celebrates the people, places and things that make Lethbridge a great place be.

Celebrating our Hometown Heroes

The Lethbridge community is made up of everyday champions who shape our future. It’s made up of people who care for others, teach others, coach others, and help others. People who represent different backgrounds and cultures. Others who represent different industries and workforces. Those who embody the best of southern Alberta, whether here at home or while representing us outside of the region. The educators, mentors, friends, neighbours, and coaches who devote themselves to making a difference.

Join us as we celebrate the hometown heroes whose impact resonates far beyond the classroom, clinic, or court.

Parade Theme

The theme for the 2025 Whoop-Up Days Parade is "Hometown Heroes”. We encourage floats and participants to showcase their creativity and passion by decorating and dressing in attire that recognizes their version of “Hometown Heroes”.

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

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. 8 (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 coverage of $2,000,000
• If vehicles are used, Automobile Liability Insurance with a minimum coverage 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.

Marshalling Area

Parade entry is located at 1st Avenue South and 3rd Street South, between the former Sears building and Toys R Us. Only entries displaying an official category card issued by Lethbridge & District Exhibition will be permitted to access this area.

All participants must arrive in the marshalling area no later than 8:00 AM, as road closures will take effect at that time in preparation for the parade. Please note that judging will begin at 7:45 AM, so early arrival is strongly encouraged.

All instructions provided by parade officials must be followed. Failure to comply may result in immediate removal from the parade and disqualification from future participation.

We have zero tolerance for any form of abuse or harassment toward 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 

Judging will begin promptly at 7:45 AM. Please ensure your category card is clearly displayed on the right (passenger) side of your entry at all times.

Parade Entries

The purpose of the parade is to entertain and celebrate our community. All entries should add value to the audience experience by being family-friendly, entertaining, inclusive, and inspiring.

Entries that promote negative, offensive, or polarizing views will not be permitted. Content that is political, religious, controversial, or otherwise inappropriate is strictly prohibited. Final decisions regarding the suitability of entries rest solely with Lethbridge & District Exhibition, which reserves the right to reject any entry at its discretion.

To maintain the festive spirit of the parade, all entries must be at least 80% decorated.

If you have any questions or concerns about your entry or its presentation, please contact us at whoopupdays@agrifoodhub.ca.

Alcoholic Beverages & Prohibited Drugs

The use of alcohol or prohibited drugs is strictly forbidden. Any participant suspected by parade officials of consuming such substances before or during the parade will be immediately removed and disqualified from participating in future parades.

Smoking

Smoking is strictly prohibited for all parade participants at any time during the parade.

Parade Lineup Placement

Parade positions will be assigned by officials on a first-come, first-served basis. However, Lethbridge & District Exhibition reserves the right to make all final decisions regarding placement, regardless of submission time.

Equestrian Entries

Drop-off instructions and directions for equine entries will be provided upon acceptance and confirmation of your participation.

All equine entries must come prepared with a pooper scooper to ensure proper clean-up during the parade.

Parade Details

We encourage floats and participants to unleash their creativity by decorating and dressing in attire that celebrates this year’s “Hometown Heroes” theme. Whether honouring frontline workers, local legends, community champions, or everyday heroes, entries should reflect the pride and spirit of Southern Alberta.

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 must be high-quality, family-friendly, entertaining, inclusive, and carry a positive message of goodwill.

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

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

Parade Safety

Item Distribution

Throwing items (including candy) or spraying water from your entry is strictly prohibited. However, you may walk along the roadside to hand out items directly to spectators. Violators will not be permitted to participate in the following year’s parade.

Vehicle Requirements

All vehicles must be in proper working condition, with adequate visibility and ventilation for the driver.

Float Safety

Every float participant must have appropriate body support, such as a seatbelt or securely bolted handholds. Railings around the perimeter of the float deck are highly recommended.

Participants on skateboards, rollerblades, or bicycles must wear helmets and protective gear. They are not permitted to be towed by any float or vehicle.

Fire Extinguishers

All motorized vehicles and self-propelled floats must carry a minimum 10 lb. chemical fire extinguisher, inspected within the past year and compliant with NFPA Article 10. The extinguisher must be sealed and tagged with the date of the last service.

Height Restrictions

Entries may not exceed 15 ft. in total height (from ground level) to ensure safe passage under the 13th Street underpass.

Emergency Towing & Hitch Safety

All motorized entries must be equipped for emergency towing (e.g., towing hook and chain). All hitches must include a properly functioning safety chain.

General Safety Compliance

The ultimate responsibility for safety rests with each entry. All participants must adhere to these guidelines, along with all applicable safety codes, manufacturer recommendations, and industry 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.