Exhibition reports positive financial gains

Fresh off a successful Whoop-Up Days, Lethbridge & District Exhibition (LDE) brought forward their monthly update to City Council today. The report included a financial summary until July 31, 2024 as well as a new year-end forecast, both showing positive improvements from previous estimates.

Through increased revenues and operational efficiencies, LDE is projecting a $1.3 million improvement to the deficit for this fiscal year, now predicted to be $3.26 million. As of the end of July, the organization recorded a $1.89 million deficit.

“As a City Council, we know we have some important decisions ahead regarding the budget for LDE,” says Mayor Blaine Hyggen. “But we are encouraged by the good work we’ve seen so far to reduce the deficit.”

Acting CEO Kim Gallucci says the LDE team continues to add bookings at the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre with 15 more events added to the scheduled for 2024, six new events for 2025 and a big event for 2028 – the Alberta Fire Chiefs Conference.

“We are really proud to see our partnerships growing and our reputation building as we secure larger events into the future,” says Gallucci.

The 2024 Whoop-Up Days saw attendance surpass 40,000 people with a new record number of people taking in the Pro Rodeo.

“I love to see how energized our city is during Whoop-Up Days,” says Mayor Hyggen. “It highlights the more intangible benefits this event brings to our community. It’s these attractions that make Lethbridge vibrant, not just for our residents but for visitors who come here and stay in hotels, eat in restaurants and shop. This builds both the culture and economy of our city.”

The Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre has been busy throughout the summer with private events as well as two of their major signature events – Whoop-Up Days and Farmers’ Markets. Whoop-Up Days kick off with the parade showcasing entertaining entries from more than 100 businesses and organizations. It went out with a bang, displaying spectacular fireworks in the evening of Saturday, August 24. Headliner musical acts, the Siksikaitsitapi Powwow and the Lethbridge & District Pro Rodeo all helped boost attendance at this year’s event.

The Agri-food Hub and Trade Centre also hosted RibFest earlier in the summer and the Windy City Tattoo Show wrapped up this past weekend.

Into the fall, the Spirit Halloween store is making its home in the Main pavilion of the old LDE buildings. Some of the upcoming major events for the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre include, Cirque Italia Water Circus Gold, Honouring Traditions Pow Wow & Artisan Show and the Craft Island Comedy Festival. For a full list of upcoming events visit: https://www.agrifoodhub.ca/agri-food.

Any members of the community wishing to keep updated on City news and Council decisions regarding LDE can follow https://getinvolvedlethbridge.ca/lethbridge-district-exhibition.