Legendary rodeo stock contractor with deep southern Alberta roots will lead the annual celebration on Aug. 20
Lethbridge, Alta. – A true embodiment of western spirit, Lethbridge & District Exhibition is proud to announce Duane Kesler as Honorary Parade Marshal for the 2024 Whoop-Up Days Parade, presented by Park Place Shopping Centre. Kesler is a third-generation rodeo stock contractor who has raised some of the greatest bucking stock in Canadian rodeo history from his ranch near Raymond.
“Duane Kesler’s accomplishments in rodeo are too numerous to list and obvious to anyone connected with the sport,” says Paul Kingsmith, Director of Community Engagement, Lethbridge & District Exhibition. “But what Duane does behind the scenes when no one is looking is what makes him a truly special person. He is the first to step up to offer support and find solutions and our organization has benefitted greatly from his involvement over many decades.”
Kesler’s ties to Lethbridge & District Exhibition run deep as his Duane Kesler Championship Rodeo Stock has served as stock contractor to the Lethbridge & District Pro Rodeo since its return in 2022. Kesler also provided stock to the Whoop-Up Days Bucking and Barrels program in the 2010s and the Whoop-Up Days Pro Rodeo prior to that. Duane’s father, Greg, and grandfather, Reg, each also served as stock contactors for the Lethbridge rodeo as the family cemented its name as being synonymous with championship rodeo in Canada. Kesler will again supply the stock for the 2024 Lethbridge & District Pro Rodeo, presented by Dennis’ Dirtworx.
“It is an honour to be thought of in this manner,” says Kesler. “I have been a part of Lethbridge & District Exhibition since I was four years old and I am proud to say I have lived in southern Alberta my whole life. I truly could not think of a better place to call home.”
Kesler is a multi-time winner of the Canadian Pro Rodeo Association Stock Contractor of the Year award, including having earned the honour in each of the last two seasons. He has supplied bucking stock to the Canadian Finals Rodeo, the National Finals Rodeo, and countless other major rodeos across North America. His commitment to animal welfare and raising the bar on rodeo production makes him a legend in rodeo circles.
“Duane and his dad Greg hired me to bullfight at my first pro rodeo and I worked with them for over a decade,” says Kynan Vine, Executive Producer, Lethbridge & District Pro Rodeo. “Duane has made a career of helping people and rodeos in the industry be better and that’s what he has done for Lethbridge and the communities around the area as well. Duane and his family are ambassadors for the Lethbridge area and always represent it in the best light.”
Kesler will lead the Whoop-Up Days Parade, presented by Park Place Shopping Centre, which this year celebrates the theme “Grow Up Western.” Inspired by Cody Hall’s song of the same name, which is the Whoop-Up Days theme song for 2024, the theme celebrates how people of many different backgrounds make up southern Alberta, but they all share the essence of Western culture and spirit that runs deep within those who call this area home. Floats and participants are encouraged to unleash their creativity by decorating and dressing in attire that embodies the timeless "Grow Up Western" theme.
The parade begins at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 20 from Park Place Shopping Centre, before moving along 3rd Street S., east on 3rd Ave. S., North on 13th Street N., then east on 9th Ave N. before dispersing at Galbraith Elementary School.
The Whoop-Up Days Parade is free to enter and applications are open from now until Aug. 9. Anyone interested can apply through whoopupdays.ca.
About Whoop-Up Days
Whoop-Up Days runs from Aug. 20 to 24 at Lethbridge & District Exhibition. Whoop-Up Days is where our community comes together to celebrate, experience, eat, laugh, and ride. Where the midway lights brighten up the southern sky, where the authentic west still runs wild, where cultures come together and memories are made. Advance tickets to Whoop-Up Days are available now at Lethbridge and Picture Butte Gas King locations. Learn more at whoopupdays.ca.
About Lethbridge & District Pro Rodeo
The Lethbridge & District Pro Rodeo, presented by Dennis’ Dirtworx, is where guests can step into the authentic west with three nights of pro rodeo action. Taking place from Aug. 22-24, the top contestants from Canada and the U.S.A. showcase their grit, skill, and courage in a heart-pounding, dust-raising spectacle, while facing off with Duane Kesler Championship Rodeo Stock. Tickets are on-sale now at whoopupdays.ca.
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