Whoop it up
Southern Alberta celebrates its roots (and blues)
Why do people attend festivals? Perhaps it’s an insatiable hunger for hotdogs, cotton candy and those delicious little mini-doughnuts. But I think the main reason is to see the local culture and heritage showcased and celebrated. Every festival—whether held throughout an entire city, like the Calgary Stampede, or localized in a single venue—gives us a glimpse into a community and what it is that’s important to its residents. A city’s festivals tells you a lot about the priorities and the makeup of not only the people who live there currently but also those who were the community’s founders.
Southern Alberta’s connection with its cowboy past—and present—is evident in the various events held during the summer. Agricultural fairs, rodeos and heritage celebrations fill the calendar. On almost any weekend, you’ll be able to find a reason to stay for a few nights, fill up on mini-doughnuts and learn more about the people who live here.
Whoop-Up Days
While everyone in the world has heard about the Calgary Stampede, you might be interested to know that Alberta’s first large-scale rodeo took place as part of Lethbridge's Whoop-Up Days, eight years before Calgary’s event. The annual event, which takes place this year August 23 to 27, is named after Fort Whoop-Up, a trading post that was established in 1869 to trade with the local First Nations and other settlers. The festival today includes a rodeo and livestock exhibition, daily concerts, a midway and free pancake breakfasts every morning.
South Country Fair
Alberta has an amazing musical tradition. When travelling through the area, be sure to listen to CKUA, which often highlights homegrown troubadours—and many of these folk and roots artists make their way to Fort Macleod every summer for the South Country Fair. The festival is not as polished as some of the larger music festivals Canada is renowned for, but that’s part of the appeal. Take in a weekend of diverse, eclectic and just plain fun music between July 15 and 17.
Cardston Heritage Week
Cardston gets down and dirty during Heritage Week, a celebration of history. Besides the parade, rodeo and agricultural exhibition, the organizers have also incorporated mudbogs into their scheduled events. Fill up on the pancake breakfasts early in the day to sustain yourself for the good, filthy fun that lies ahead from August 3 to 6.
