The RCMP Musical Ride will give two performances Wednesday, July 16 at Heritage Acres Farm Museum.
SOMYA LOHIA, SHOOTIN’ THE BREEZE
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE
Locals had a rare chance to witness one of Canada’s most iconic spectacles when the RCMP Musical Ride performed at Heritage Acres Farm Museum on Wednesday, July 16.
Featuring 32 uniformed riders performing intricate cavalry drills on horseback, the Musical Ride showcases the pageantry, precision and tradition of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
The Musical Ride performs in up to 50 communities across Canada between May and October each year.
It travels to each province once every four years to ensure as many Canadians as possible can experience the spectacle.
The performances will take place at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at Heritage Acres Farm Museum and will be preceded by a display from the Alberta Quadrille, a historic horse-drawn drill.
“There’s a ton of history around Pincher Creek with the North West Mounted Police right from the very beginning,” said Anna Welsch, president of the board for the Oldman River Antique Equipment and Threshing Club, which oversees the museum.
“A lot of our settlers in the area were retired North West Mounted Police. So there’s a lot of nostalgia in this area as well with the Musical Ride and what it brings.”
Heritage Acres applied directly through the RCMP’s national touring program to bring it here.
“It’s such a memorable experience as a family to see and I think that’s something quite unique to it,” Welsch said. “Also, being that it is so distinguishingly Canadian, that’s something really special too.”
Tickets for the event are now on sale. General admission is $15 for adults, while children 13 and under attend free. Tickets can also be purchased at the gate on the day of the show.
With nearly 300 advance tickets already sold and 400 complimentary tickets given to students, organizers are prepared for a large turnout.
“We want everyone to be able to enjoy it,” said Anita Beemsterboer, event planner at the museum. “It’s a major fund-raiser for us, but we’ve also kept ticket prices low and made sure youth in our community could attend free of charge.”
The event included free public access to the museum on July 15, from 5-8 p.m., giving visitors a chance to explore the site, visit the stables, and meet the horses and RCMP riders in a relaxed setting.
While the show is led by the RCMP’s ceremonial unit, members of the local detachment will attend as guests.
Horse-drawn shuttles will help move visitors around the museum grounds.
Welsch hopes the experience will leave a lasting impression for all.
“It’s something unforgettable,” Welsch said.
Organizers are encouraging attendees to dress for the weather and leave pets at home.
