Lethbridge & District Exhibition continues to see improved finances. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Exhibition’s budget deficit shrinks to $2.2 million

Nov 14, 2024 | 11:20 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Although Lethbridge & District Exhibition (LDE) remains in the red, it is not by nearly as much.

LDE presented its November report to the city’s Economic Standing Policy Committee this week, giving an update on its finances up to the end of September 2024.

The organization faces a total budget deficit of $2.2 million, decreasing by $4.2 million over the last 11 months from their originally forecast shortfall of $6.4 million.

It is, however, slightly higher than the $1.9 million deficit from the month prior.

Officials say much of the progress seen in recent months had to do with LDE hosting an additional 10 events in 2024 and securing 12 new ones for 2025.

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Mayor Blaine Hyggen says he knows the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre is a world-class facility.

“The more activity, events and exposure people have to that space, the more successful it will be. We are pleased to see the LDE leadership team continue to grow these opportunities,” says Hyggen.

This year’s Whoop-Up Days festival had the highest attendance in its history for a paid-admission event as over 40,000 people came out.

Whoop-Up Days generated $242,500, nearly double the gross revenues from 2023.

READ MORE: Whoop-Up Days 2024 sees over 40,000 attend

Earlier this year, the entire LDE Board of Governors stepped down due to financial issues and was replaced by officials from the City of Lethbridge and Lethbridge County.

READ MORE: New Board of Governors installed at Lethbridge and District Exhibition

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