One of Canada's most recognized icons, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride will perform at the South Okanagan Events Centre for two shows in July.
“We’re very excited to bring the Musical Ride back to the Okanagan. The show hasn’t been in Penticton in over a decade,” said Gwen Shaw, president of the Summerland Rodeo Grounds - Equine Development Committee. “In the past, the Musical Ride wowed audiences in Summerland and Oliver.”
The show makes its way to B.C. every four years and will be stopping in Penticton at the SOEC for shows on July 20.
The RCMP Musical Ride represents a colourful Canadian tradition. The troop of 32 horses and riders will perform a variety of cavalry drills choreographed to music. Working through a unique medium, they support the RCMP community policing efforts throughout Canada. The Musical Ride was developed in 1876 by early members of the North-West Mounted Police to display their riding ability and entertain the local community. It has evolved over the decades into a uniquely Canadian performance enjoyed by tens of thousands of spectators every year. Members of the Musical Ride are first and foremost police officers. They each have at least two years’ experience in active police work before volunteering for duty with the Musical Ride.
When asked about the show, Tony Acland, Penticton’s Musical Ride Master of Ceremonies and Announcer said, “If you’ve never been, you must go. It will bring out the Canadian in you.”
In addition to the most notable and Canadian cavalry show, Hearts of the West, a family of trick riders will showcase their exceptional speed and horsemanship skills. The five siblings travel Western Canada’s rodeo circuit, including the Pacific National Exhibition and the Calgary Stampede.
Tickets for the Musical Ride at the SOEC are $20 for adults and $17 for students (7 to 18) and seniors (64 and older). For children 6 and under, tickets are free (service fees for online and phone purchases apply) when purchased in person. Tickets can be purchased at www.ValleyFirstTix.com, by telephone at 1-877-SOEC-TIX (763-2849) or in person at the Valley First Box Office (at the SOEC) and Wine Country Visitor Centre.
Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Summerland Rodeo Grounds – Equine Development Committee. The committee supports improvements to the Summerland Rodeo Grounds.