Latest news with #Kingsmith
Global News
2 days ago
- Sport
- Global News
Whoop-Up Days security top of mind as preparations continue
Preparations are in full swing ahead of the 2025 edition of Whoop-Up Days, Lethbridge, Alta.'s biggest event of the year. Everything from the midway to rodeo grounds needs to be set up before the Aug. 19 launch of the event. 'If you're down in the area over this weekend, you'll see a lot of action going on,' said Paul Kingsmith, director of event development at Lethbridge and District Exhibition. He says it's the best time of year for everyone involved in Whoop-Up Days because the hard work is finally paying off. 'When all the preparations turn into a reality, we're just so excited as a team to get this going.' Another exciting factor is the increase in early ticket sales, which Kingsmith says could be a sign of things to come. Story continues below advertisement 'In some of the early indications, we were nearly triple where we were last year, so probably good that people are maybe looking in on it a little earlier than they have in past years, but also just a good indication that the community is really excited for this event,' he said. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy However, Kingsmith also understands the value of security when hosting tens of thousands of people at one location. 'It's one of the things that we start talking about right from the planning of the event, right until (Friday) morning when we were meeting with our security teams and working through pieces. We try to provide a very safe and fun environment, making sure you don't have to worry about anything happening once you're here.' While there will be metal detectors, security staff, bag checks and more, Lethbridge police will also be on site throughout the festival. 'There will be officers doing foot patrols in the area on the grounds and if anybody has any complaints, they can contact one of those officers or reach out to our dispatch centre at 403-328-4444,' said Sgt. Ryan Darroch of the downtown police unit. He says the biggest concerns in the past have been the smuggling in of drugs, alcohol and weapons, like bear spray or knives. 'We had a number of seizures last year and a number of arrests. They came from people making poor decisions, so we just want people to show up prepared and to limit the number of incidents that we're going to deal with on the fair grounds.' Story continues below advertisement As a result of the strict security measures, Darroch says it's important for people to understand what is — and isn't — allowed inside. 'I know a lot of really good people who carry their grandfather's folding knife on their belt, things like that. (Those types of items) need to stay home so it doesn't get confiscated at the door. Our goal is just to have a happy and safe event.' Whoop-Up Days officially launches with the parade on Tuesday morning, but there are several pancake breakfasts and other events starting as early as Monday.
Global News
01-07-2025
- Climate
- Global News
Canada Day celebrations expanding in Lethbridge
Every year, people across the country gather to celebrate Canada Day. However, with a growing population comes an outgrowing of space. This is an issue directly affecting Lethbridge, a city that usually comes together at Henderson Lake to show pride in Canada. After an estimated 12,000 residents filled the park last year, the City of Lethbridge determined more real estate was required. 'We were kind of limited in the parkland space that we had,' said Sarah Burton, chairperson of the Canada Day Committee with the City of Lethbridge. 'We really noticed, especially with the rain last year, a negative impact on the parkland itself. We've had to limit the number of food trucks every year a little bit more and we really wanted to be able to bring a better, bigger event for the community.' Story continues below advertisement Burton is a 16-year veteran of the Canada Day Committee and she's seen firsthand how the festivities have evolved. So, this year, the committee decided to bring forward a major evolution, while still keeping the tradition of partying at Henderson Lake. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Much of the event will remain where it always has been, but now, for the first time, portions of the celebration will take place at the exhibition grounds. This include the music stage and dance floor. View image in full screen A map showing where events are for Canada Day in Lethbridge. City of Lethbridge 'People coming to the site will find it just breathes a little better,' said Paul Kingsmith, director of event development with Lethbridge and District Exhibition. 'There's a little bit more space and it kind of allows all those familiar activities that everybody loves about Canada Day to be in a new and exciting location,' Story continues below advertisement One big addition, literally, will be access to the Agri-Food Hub and Trade Centre, which could be crucial with high temperatures in the weather forecast. Related News Busy travel weekend ahead of Canada Day 'You can come in and beat the heat for a while, Kingsmith said. 'There's air conditioning inside. There's the bathrooms inside and we have some additional activities and food options inside the Agri-Food Hub and Trade Centre…. Spreading out that footprint just makes for a better experience for Canada Day.' Kingsmith says the rising trend of Canadian patriotism, along with Canadians opting to remain in the country more this summer could also contribute to a bigger turnout. Burton shares that view and says the celebration is perfect for those happy to be in Lethbridge. 'Canada is an amazing place to be. Lethbridge is an amazing place to be,' she said. 'We have such a diverse culture here, so it's really a good time to come and celebrate all the cultures in Lethbridge in one spot and just celebrate being a Lethbridgian and a Canadian.' While the big party starts rocking mid-day at Henderson Lake and the exhibition grounds, a pancake breakfast at Galt Gardens at will kick off Canada Day celebrations at 9 a.m. The breakfast will be followed by the annual party in the park, hosted by the Interfaith Food Bank. Everything from Galt Gardens to Henderson Lake and the exhibition is described as family friendly. Assuming everything goes to plan, the city will launch fireworks in the evening to top off the fun.
