By Lara Fominoff @fomsy1 on Twitter

Exhibition Park’s 120th birthday and Canada 150 celebrations combined in this year’s Whoop Up Days

Jun 20, 2017 | 7:41 PM

LETHBRIDGE – It would probably be difficult to pack much more into this year’s Whoop Up Days, even if you tried.
 
To start things off, Exhibition Park Spokesperson Doug Kryzanowski says this year’s parade features Lethbridge’s four recent Rio Olympians who will be honourary parade marshals, including Rachel Nicol, Heather Steacy, Ashley Steacy and Zach McAllister.  
 
“I think it’s important in our 120th to recognize their efforts. That’s a…. feat going to the Olympics, and the training efforts etc. We’re very proud of it, and I know they are too.”
 
As part of Exhibition Park’s 120th birthday, and Canada’s 150th birthday, both will be celebrated with new rides, big musical acts, the Can-Am Pro Challenge Bucking and Barrels rodeo, daily shows, and a new virtual reality interactive film series.
 
Kryzanowski says there are no less than 22 new activities this year.
 
“We’re trying to do the best we can with what we’ve got in this time of economics, and I think we’ve got a hell of a package this year.”
 
That includes this year’s musical lineup, which showcases some of Lethbridge’s local talent, including Uncovered, and The Steve Keenan Band.
 
Headliners include Theory of a Deadman, Finger 11, April Wine, 38 Special, and Jess Moskaluke.
 
On the midway will be 35 rides this year, including “Spin the Berries” and “Bumblebee Bop” for the little ones, and “Zero Gravity” and “Ghost Party” for older fair-goers.
 
To celebrate Canada’s 150th Birthday, the West Pavilion will hold the Meridian Virtual Reality and SESQUI interactive film series. The 360 degree cinematic experience combines generated environments with video and spatial audio, and an evolving menu that invites viewers to shape their own experiences.
 
Those at the fair can also take in the trade show, petting zoo, paddle boats and food fair.
 
Advance tickets will be on sale at all Gas Kings in Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and Picture Butte until midnight, Monday August 21st.
 
The price is $12.00 for advance gate admission or $40.00 for the Advance Super Ticket, which includes all rides.
 
Parking is $5.00 per vehicle.
 
For a complete list of activities, dates, times, and prices, go to http://www.exhibitionpark.ca/whoop-up-days/