Mounties on horseback will descend on the city when the famed RCMP Musical Ride comes to Campbell River Aug. 10-11.
Representing a colourful tradition and ceremony through the horse and the scarlet uniform, the Musical Ride is also much more.
Proceeds from the two Campbell River events will be split between the Cops for Cancer annual Tour de Rock ride and local Crime Stoppers.
“We are very excited about their arrival, and Carol Chapman, the chairperson of the Canada Day Committee, took on the task of organizing and sponsoring the ride coming to Campbell River,” said RCMP Cpl. Poppy Hallam. After another highly successful July 1, members of the Canada Day Committee are donating their time and energy to organize the event. The RCMP Musical Ride is touring Vancouver Island next month. On Aug. 8, they’re in Port Hardy before coming to Campbell River. They’re “off” on Aug. 9, but members of the ride will be Nunns Creek Park for Logger Sports.
Dressed in their traditional red serge, they’ll have a couple horses with them too and will be available for photographs with the public.
Two performances of the Musical Ride will take place at the Campbell River Trail Riders Association Equestrian Centre, located just west of the city on Highway 28, a few kilometres past General Hill.
The show starts at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, and at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 11. Tickets are $10, $6 for youth and free to three and under. Advance tickets are available at A Cut Above, Island Fever Travel, Visitor Info Centre, Campbell River RCMP detachment and from the Campbell River Trail riders.
Fast facts:
- The Musical Ride was developed from a desire by early members of the North-West Mounted Police to display their riding ability and entertain both themselves and the local community. Many had a British military background, so it was inevitable that the series of figures they performed were traditional cavalry drill movements.
- Legend has it that the first Musical Ride was performed as early as 1876, the first officially recorded Musical Ride was performed in Regina under Inspector William George Matthews in 1887.
- Today’s members of the Musical Ride are, first and foremost, police officers who, after at least two years of active police work, volunteer for duty with the Musical Ride. They are able to stay with the team for up to three years.