Exhibition Park (Lethbridge) Explained

Lethbridge & District Exhibition (LDE) is a not-for-profit corporation that operates the exhibition complex located on the eastern edge of Lethbridge, Alberta. It was established in 1897 as Lethbridge & District Agricultural Society.

History

Predating the City of Lethbridge, the Calgary Stampede, and the Province of Alberta, the LDE got it's start in 1897 when a group of farmers, ranchers, and citizens, organized the first Expo to promote agriculture and commerce.

In 1912, the City of Lethbridge hosted the World Dry Farming Congress at the exhibition grounds, which were expanded significantly for that event, and included a streetcar line from the CPR station.

Facilities

Permanent structures at the site include a 10,664 m² (114,787 ft²) pavilion complex (main, north, west and south pavilions, and Saddle Room), Heritage Hall and a grandstand.

In March 2021, construction began on the Exhibition Grounds for a new exhibition hall. The project cost $70.5 Million and was jointly funded by the Government of Alberta’s recovery program, City of Lethbridge, and the Government of Canada. The new Agri-food Hub and Trade Centre opened to the public on August 8, 2023.

Events

Roughly 950 events are held at the park every year, which attract over 850,000 visitors and provide $81 million in economic benefit to the city.[1] By far, the largest event held at the park is Whoop-Up Days, an annual summer fair. Other annual events include Ag Expo, the Home & Garden Show, a weekly Farmers' Market, Country Christmas Craft Show, and Family Fest.

Governance

Exhibition Park is governed by a board of directors consisting of members of the community, including a president, two vice presidents, a past president, and a member each from the City of Lethbridge council and the County of Lethbridge council. The 2006 board of directors consisted of 14 persons.

In the 2005 budget, Exhibition Park had annual revenue of roughly $2.3 million and annual expenditures of about $2.1 million.

References

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Relocating only option for Exhibition Park. Lethbridge Herald. 2006-11-02. Shurtz. Delon. A5.