A Canadian summer tradition will be coming to Flin Flon this August. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Musical Ride will return to Flin Flon for the first time in two decades.
According to the RCMP website and the group's recently released schedule of tour stops, the Musical Ride will come to Flin Flon August 1. The City of Flin Flon will host the event according to the schedule, which will take place at Centoba Park.
The Musical Ride troupe is made up of 32 riders and horses, plus an officer in charge, from all across Canada, taking part in an intricate 30-minute routine of equestrian techniques and formations set to music. The riders work and train with the horses year-round and act as ambassadors for Canada's national police force.
"A symbol of tradition, honour, and pride, the Musical Ride is a Canadian icon recognized at home and abroad. The Musical Ride supports front-line police operations by building positive relationships, supporting recruiting efforts and promoting the RCMP's image in communities in Canada and around the world," reads the RCMP website.
The event is also often used as a way to raise money for local community causes - the event is usually hosted by non-profit or charitable organizations, often with local entertainment as part of the show. Tickets are sold for the event at the proceeds go towards covering costs and raising money for projects.
Each summer, the Musical Ride tour comes to certain areas of the country, usually two or three provinces at a time and holding around 40 shows per year. This summer's tour will go through Ontario and Manitoba, with the tour beginning a two-month stretch in Morris at the Morris Stampede and Exhibition July 19. The Ride will tour through Manitoba until August 17, where it will conclude its time in Manitoba with a show at Assiniboia Downs in Winnipeg before returning to Ontario and making stops in Quebec in September.
The Musical Ride last came to Flin Flon in 2004, during a different tour through the prairies. About 3,500 people came out to watch the event.
This year's visit will include a familiar face for Flin Flonners - former Flin Flon RCMP officer Andrew LeClair is a member of the group, joining them after accepting a transfer from Flin Flon to the unit in 2020. LeClair and his horse, Dancer, are part of the 33-piece group.
