It’s been a long time since we’ve whooped it up.

Organizers are excited see an abbreviated Whoop Up Days come together at Exhibition Park beginning tomorrow, Sept. 2 and going until Sept. 4, as Covid cancelled last year’s Whoop up Days.

 

“So far so good,” said Exhibition Park Chief operating officer Mike Warkentin, watching a slightly smaller Midway come together.

 

“The purpose of Whoop Up Days is to bring the community together, but the priority is to do it in a safe and responsible manner, he continued.

 

 Due to Covid, the Midway is 20 per cent smaller, but there is more space in between attractions.

 

“ It’s 20 per cent smaller, but it occupies the same amount of space,” he said.

 

 Organizers have had to overcome the challenges of construction occupying most of Exhibition Park as well as Covid.

 

“We’re strongly urging you wear masks and to sanitize your hands. Our staff will be masked and be given Covid rapid tests before their shifts,” he said adding the Midway operators were given the opportunity to opt in as well.

All patrons will be given a temperature check as they go through security.

 

“ But if you aren’t feeling well, please stay home. There will be a Whoop Up Days next year and we’ll be happy to see you when you’re feeling better,” he said.

 In the marketplace, the vendors will be properly spread out and there will be hand sanitization stations placed at regular intervals.

 

Live music is a huge Whoop-Up Days attraction. Usually it is outdoors, but this year the Gas King stage has been moved inside to Heritage Hall.

 

“ This year all of the headliners are local,” Warkentin said.

 

 Uncovered will be playing a variety of pop and rock hits from the ’90s to today to kick off Whoop up Days, Sept. 2 at 6 p.m.

 

Friday night, Sept. 3 is country night with Ryan Lindsay who will be on the Gas King stage at 7 p.m.

 

 Whoop Up Days winds up on Saturday, Sept. 4 with  Local blues rock band Coda Blues playing at 7 p.m. followed by Calgary’s Eric Braun at 9 p.m..

 

“We want the community to be able to experience Whoop Up Days, so there is no admission charge this year,” Warkentin said.

 

“The public response has been positive without exception,” he said, adding he hasn’t heard any complaints about the trimmed down event or the additional safety measures.

“We’re very excited to see it happening this year. It’s been a long 18 months, two years. Come and get your elephant ears and favourite Whoop up Day treats,” he said.

 

 Whoop up Days runs 4-11 p.m. on Sept. 2, and noon to midnight on Sept. 3 and 4.

 

—  By Richard Amery, L.A. Beat Editor