RCMP Musical Ride Impresses Large Crowd in Vegreville

RCMP Musical Ride Impresses Large Crowd in Vegreville

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Approximately 4,000 people came to watch the famed RCMP Musical Ride on June 6 at the Vegreville Agricultural Grounds.

The first to officially greet attendees was Alan Baxandall, President of the Vegreville Agricultural Society. On behalf of the Vegreville Agricultural Society, our staff, sponsors, volunteer members and directors welcome to our grounds.

One hundred and twenty years ago the Vegreville Agricultural Society was officially formed. Our predecessors laid a great foundation for what we have now. The amount of volunteer hours that went into building this place from scratch is extraordinary, and to keep everything going together still requires a lot of effort… We are very proud of our heritage and look forward to the next generations to create another 120 years.

RCMP Musical Riders in motion.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Canadians have a respect for our RCMP. They have served us well and I’m sure the Mounties feel the same way about Canada and Canadians…We are so honoured that they picked Vegreville for a performance of their 150th anniversary tour. Enjoy the show and thanks for joining us.”

Curtis Zorniak, President of the Vegreville Cultural Association, thanked organizers and volunteers for working together and bringing the event to Vegreville. He also gave an overview of some of the activities that will be held during the upcoming 50th Anniversary edition of the Pysanka Festival.

Performance by Running Thunder Dancers.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Vegreville Mayor Tim MacPhee welcomed community members and visitors to town. “The Royal Canadian Musical Ride has been performing for Canadians since 1876. They have changed a couple of horses and riders since then. What a tradition.

One of the most iconic symbols of Canada is the RCMP. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Musical Ride perform at countless venues around the world and travel to 40 and 50 locations a year. We are so thankful to the Ag. Society for bringing them back to us again because they were here 50 years ago. I’d like to thank the troop and all those who accompanied them here today in Vegreville, and on behalf of the citizens and town council I’d like to welcome everybody here tonight for this event.”

RCMP Musical Riders in motion.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

County of Minburn Reeve Roger Konieczny brought greeting on behalf of councillors and staff before introducing Jackie ArmstrongHomeniuk, MLA elect for Fort SaskatchewanVegreville. “As you may know we are celebrating the 150th anniversary of RCMP. Tonight, and throughout the summer we will celebrate and commemorate the brave women and men of law enforcement who over the past century and a half have served our community, province and our country with courage, selflessness and who’ve ensured our safety and security throughout the years.

Performance by Svitlo Ukrainian Dancers.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

The RCMP is truly the symbol of this great country we call home and embodies Canadian values of community, compassion and cooperation. To the men and women who have so bravely served us over the years, thank you. Our government will continue to stand proudly and support law enforcement.”

Sally Patrie with her granddaughter Nikki Wowk.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

She also commended the Vegreville Agricultural Society and Vegreville Cultural Association for reaching important milestones this year. “Each of these milestones show how volunteerism and service have built our community. The longstanding success of events and organizations is a testament to their efforts of their members for our enjoyment and our community. I want to wish them all many more years of great success as you bring this together.”

RCMP Musical Riders in motion.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)