By Aaron Mahoney (@Mahones93 on Twitter)

Sheep Dogs, Lee Aaron, and the return of Bucking and Barrels headline 2018 Whoop-Up Days lineup

May 2, 2018 | 2:20 PM

LETHBRIDGE – It’s going to be an all Canadian affair at the 2018 installment of Whoop-Up Days.

The full lineup for the festival in Lethbridge was unveiled to the media on Wednesday, May 2.

First up will be the parade to kick things off on Tuesday, Aug. 21 beginning at 10 a.m.

Exhibition Park Manager of Marketing, Doug Kryzanowski, says the parade will follow the same route as last year.

“We did have some concerns about it but we all worked together to make those go away,” Kryzanowski said adding the Rotary Club of Lethbridge will serve as honorary parade marshals this year.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

Here’s the full list of entertainment at the Pioneer Park Gas King Stage this year:

Tuesday, Aug. 21: Joey Landreth at 7 p.m. followed by the Sheep Dogs at 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 22: The Road Hammers at 8 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 23: PRISM at 8 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 24: Harlequin at 8 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 25: Helix at 7 p.m. followed by Lee Aaron at 8:30 p.m.

“With Whoop-Up days we always try to have 95 per cent or more be Canadian entertainment, whether that’s on the ground or the Gas King stage,” Kryzanowski continued. “We’re 100 per cent on the Gas King stage with our music this year, and probably 95 per cent in the park with our entertainment for families.”

Thursday through to Saturday will also feature several different events throughout the venue, including the return of the Can-Am Pro Challenge Bucking and Barrels event at the Grandstand.

Another favourite from last year, the unique food truck vendors, will be back with some new eats but Kryzanowski didn’t dive into much detail.

“It’s ongoing with the food trucks, lots of new ideas there and I’ll leave it at that. People will need to come experience it themselves, or you guys can come and experience it and then spread it through social media. It seems to be a growing thing still in Lethbridge, I know there are other fairs in North America where it’s kind of fizzled out. As long as it’s popular we’ll keep it coming,” Kryzanowski stated.

The 120th edition of Whoop-Up Days was deemed a success last year, and Kryzanowski says they’re expecting another good festival.

“Well, we did five for five on weather last year, meaning five days of great weather. We always tend to give away a day [from our expectations] due to weather, whether it’s wind, rain, snow or sleet because you never know anymore. Given that, we’re expecting more success, because we’ve got a great lineup and there’s no less than 22 new events and activities at Whoop-Up Days,” Kryzanowski stated.

“I know I hear publicly, and from people phoning and telling me there’s nothing ever new, well I’ll dispute that any time of day any day of the week.”

Advance tickets are on sale now and will be up until midnight on Monday, Aug. 20.

General admission will be $20 at the gate, but Kryzanowski took time to talk about some other ticket options that will be offered.

“On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this year it’s going to be $5 before 5 p.m. no matter what your age, and under 10 is free,” he continued. “It’s a great afternoon for grandpa, grandma, mom, dad and the kids to come and have a good a time.”

More information on this year’s edition of Whoop-Up Days can be found here.