Whoop-Up Days providing economic benefit as Lethbridge and District Exhibition continues to face deficit
![Whoop-Up Days 2024. Whoop-Up Days 2024.](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2024/8/22/whoop-up-days-2024--1-7011041-1724365751574.jpg)
With thousands of people already through the gates at this year's Whoop-Up Days, the Lethbridge and District Exhibition (LDE) is hoping to cash in after a year of financial troubles.
"It has an incredibly large impact on the organization," said Kim Gallucci, the LDE's acting CEO, on Thursday.
"We go more by attendance; we're hoping to get to 35,000 people or better. If we can achieve that, we would then see some gross numbers up around half-a-million dollars."
In the most recent update to Lethbridge city council in June, the LDE had a forecasted deficit of $4.6 million by the end of 2024.
That figure is down from the original estimate of $6.4 million in January.
Gallucci says large events like Whoop-Up Days are what matter when it comes to making a profit.
"It's an extremely important event to both Lethbridge and the Exhibition," he said.
"It provides a quality of life, it provides tourism, it provides an opportunity for people to showcase their products and goods."
Attendance numbers are still be calculated, but the LDE says opening day this year is on par with previous years, aside from 2023 when attendance was free.
Trevor Lewington, CEO of Economic Development Lethbridge, says hotels, restaurants and businesses continue to see a positive impact from the festival.
"It gives us an opportunity to showcase the city," he said.
"It does create activity and traffic, which is important for tourism, and of course, the hospitality sector. But, it's also just a great excuse for the community of Lethbridge to get together, and businesses to work together."
Gallucci and LDE staff are closely monitoring this year's event to see if changes need to be made to next year's programming.
He says more events are starting to fill up the Agri-food Hub and Trade Centre, but the large ones take time to schedule.
"Things are improving slowly and it will take some time," Gallucci said.
"But, we are making major changes on our side, both on the expense side and the contract side. We are increasing our sales significantly to increase revenue."
Whoop-Up Days runs until Aug. 24.
Total attendance numbers for this year's fair are expected to be shared early next week.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.4822761.1582326806!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
DEVELOPING Kingston, Ont. police investigate triple stabbing
Police in Kingston, Ont. say a standoff is underway between officers and a suspect following a triple stabbing Thursday morning.
Family of Sikh man speaks out against Toronto-area hospital after beard shaved
The family of a Sikh man from Brampton is seeking an apology, an explanation, and a promise to do better from the local hospital network after they say the facial hair of their loved one was removed without their consent.
A 4.7 magnitude earthquake rattles the Los Angeles area
A 4.7 magnitude earthquake rattled the Los Angeles area Thursday morning, unleashing boulders onto a Malibu road, visibly shaking Santa Monica's 1909 wooden pier and jolting some people from bed. No injuries or damages were immediately reported.
BREAKING 3 dead in Lloydminster, Sask., few details available
Three people are dead after an "incident" in Lloydminster, RCMP have confirmed.
Consul general to New York answering questions over $9M luxury condo purchase
After weeks of pressure, Canada's consul general Tom Clark is testifying on Thursday before a House of Commons committee about the purchase of his new official residence in New York that generated a lot of political attention over the summer.
Air Canada pushing for government intervention as clock ticks on labour talks
Air Canada is asking the federal government to be ready to intervene in its labour talks with its pilots as time is running out before a potential shutdown.
Realtor fined by B.C. regulator after property photos digitally altered
A British Columbia Realtor has been fined thousands of dollars after a property listing was found to contain photos that were digitally altered to hide peeling paint and show furnishings that did not exist.
Man charged after multiple child sex dolls seized from home: Winnipeg police
A Winnipeg man has been charged with multiple offences after sex dolls designed to look like children were seized from his home.
OPP constable charged after alleged assault at Santa's Village
A veteran OPP officer is facing an assault charge following an incident at an amusement park in Bracebridge.