Whoop Up Days 2022 welcomes back rodeo and connects with community

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Whoop Up Days, is slowly, but surely returning to what it was in pre- Covid and pre construction levels.

“ We can’t wait to welcome everybody back to Whoop up Day, Aug. 22-27,” said  Exhibition Park CEO Mike Warkentin.

 

Exhibition Park CEO Mike Warkentin.

“ It’s still not back to 100 per cent, but we’re excited to reach a lot more people,” he said, adding they are working with the Blackfoot Confederacy to organize a pow wow.

 

 While there still won’t be a mainstage music program because of construction of the new Agri-Food Hub and Trade Centre, there will still be several stages for live local music including a smaller stage for buskers and a saloon atmosphere inside Heritage Hall.

 

“ We want to make sure that when we can do it, we can roll out a music program properly,” Warkentin continued, noting the musical line up has not been announced, however it will be all local.

 

 Local artists will also be featured in  La Galleria–a curated, creative space recognizing the local visual art community, and the artists who capture what it means to live, work and play in Southern Alberta. Artists can display and sell their artwork while guests shop, enjoy the wine bar and signature food offerings from our culinary team.

 The big addition to Whoop up Days 2022  is the return of a full professional rodeo program featuring eight events—  eight events: Ladies Barrel Racing, Bareback, Steer Wrestling, Tie Down, Saddle Bronc, Team Roping, Breakaway and Bull Riding, plus  a First Nations event —Warrior Relay Races.

 

“ Warrior  Relay races are a really intriguing part of Blackfoot culture,” Warkentin said.

 

This year’s parade will kick off festivities on Aug. 23 with parade marshals Chief Roy Fox of Kainai Nation, Chief Stanley Grier from Piikani Nation and Chief Ouray Crowfoot from Siksika Nation.

 

“This will be a more dynamically  designed program so we’re really excited to welcome people back,” he said, adding trying to plan ahead for a huge event during Covid provided extra challenges.

 

“When we were planning  this year, we didn’t know what  things would look like with Covid,” he said, adding they decided to err on the side of caution.

Rodeo tickets are extra, but include admission to the midway, art gallery and the rest of Whoop Up Days.

 Tickets went on sale, June 7 through https://whoopupdays.ca/tickets-admission/ .

— By Richard Amery, L.A. Beat editor

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