Lethbridge mayor Blaine Hyggen hosted his second Mayor's Community BBQ outside of City Hall on Tuesday, August 22, 2023. (Photo: LNN)

By Justin Goulet

Mayor’s Community BBQ serves up burgers and smiles as part of Whoop-Up Days kick-off

Aug 22, 2023 | 2:12 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – There were smiles and full stomachs at the Mayor’s Community BBQ in Lethbridge.

The event was hosted outside of City Hall on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, following the Whoop-Up Days Parade, which served as a kick-off to the annual festival.

READ MORE: Whoop-Up Days Parade draws a crowd in Lethbridge

Multiple citizens showed up for the Mayor’s Community BBQ, despite cloudy conditions, on Tuesday, August 22, 2023. (Photo: LNN)

Lethbridge mayor Blaine Hyggen said he was very happy with the turnout for both the parade and the luncheon, despite some early rainfall on Tuesday.

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Hyggen said, “That’s Lethbridge. Lethbridge is out in full force. You know what, rain or shine, that’s the citizens here in Lethbridge.”

Lethbridge mayor Blaine Hyggen celebrates a successful burger flip at the Mayor’s Community BBQ on Tuesday, August 22, 2023. (Photo: LNN)

The mayor thanked all the volunteers who helped make the event possible, and said the lunch provides “a chance for the community to get together and celebrate”.

Not only did the Mayor’s Community BBQ include food for attendees, but it also featured live music from Trevor Panczak, and an appearance from dignitaries such as Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, alongside Lethbridge mayor Blaine Hyggen (centre) and Lethbridge-East MLA/Minister of Affordability and Utilities Nathan Neudorf at the Mayor’s Community BBQ on Tuesday, August 22, 2023. (Photo: LNN)

Hyggen said Tuesday’s festivities, in particular the parade, showcased the diversity of the community in Lethbridge.

He remarked, “I’m so proud of how culturally diverse our community is. It was amazing to see so many different nationalities.”

“They had their flags waving, [were] cheering, and [seeing] these groups that have come to our community, it’s heartwarming. It’s incredible to see all of that. That was what I really noticed in the parade, is all of those folks, and how multi-diverse that we are in this community.”

Trevor Panczak performing outside of Lethbridge City Hall during the Mayor’s Community BBQ on Tuesday, August 22, 2023. (Photo: LNN)

The Whoop-Up Days festival in Lethbridge is on until Saturday, August 26.

READ MORE: Excitement building for 2023 Whoop-Up Days in Lethbridge

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