A classic Canadian event will be returning to the Cochrane and District Agricultural Society Grounds.
The RCMP Musical Ride will take place Sept. 6 and 7 and will be hosted by the Cochrane Posse.
The Musical Ride features the RCMP performing intricate displays and formations on horseback.
“It is a Canadian icon,” said Rob Cameron, chair of the organizing committee, of the Musical Ride, adding that it is what you think of when you think of Canada.
This marks the third visit of the ride to Cochrane. The first was in 2003 for Cochrane’s centennial and then it returned again in 2010.
Cameron said that typically the Musical Ride doesn’t return so soon to a location they have recently visited. He said that when they first visited in 2003 they commented that Cochrane had some of the best stabling they ever had and they were pleased with everything once again in 2010.
“We had such good reports from the guys and girls that were here before. They liked it,” Cameron said. “We’re one of the only 40 communities in Canada that were successful to get them this year.”
The preshow will begin each day at 1:30 p.m. Cameron said it would run for 45 minutes and would include local entertainment, a trick rider and the Cochrane Pipe Band.
The actual Musical Ride will begin at around 2:45 p.m., but Cameron said parking and seats would fill up fast.
The Musical Ride will also feature some local talent. Sherri Flundra, who now calls Pincher Creek her home, is originally from Cochrane and is in her fourth year with the ride.
Cameron said the event would also see Scott McArthur performing, who used to be stationed in Cochrane until he joined the Musical Ride.
Cameron said that 100 per cent of all profit from the event would go back to non-profit groups in the community that helped the Cochrane Posse put the event on. He also added that this year $1 from every ticket sold would be put towards the trust fund that was set up for the families of the RCMP officers who were killed in Moncton earlier this year.
He said last year they raised between $15,000 – $20,000 for the community.
Cameron said they are expecting 1,400 – 1,500 people a day at the event. They are offering 600 reserve seats per day, but he said that Sunday’s are sold out and Saturday is very close to being sold out as well. Reserve seating is $20.
Cameron said general seating is still available. The cost is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors and youth; tickets are available at Tony’s Work and Western Wear, M&M Meat Shop and Cochrane Home Treasures. Tickets will be available at the event, but at a higher cost than if purchased prior to the Musical Ride.
For more information contact Cameron at [email protected].
