by PAUL RAYNER

A likely once in a lifetime experience for most in attendance left a big impression on a large crowd.

The RCMP Musical Ride was held at the fairgrounds in Boissevain on August 9. Organized by the Boissevain Lions Club, it was declared a major success.

“I think it went really, really well,” said Lion Doug Robertson. “There were no big problems, there was beautiful weather and a big crowd.”

Robertson was estimating there were over 1200 people in attendance. He said they had 685 pre-sold tickets, and there were at least 500 more walk-ins.

“We are really happy with that. We reached basically the upper edge of what we were hoping for. I think the nice weather had something to do with the big turnout.”

So did the entertainment. Robertson said the Mini-Magic Horse Club made a good impression, as the crowd was happy to see a little musical ride with local kids from the age of 5-15 years before the main event. As well, the local Synthesis Martial Arts Club did a short program with guest Kevin Archibald explaining the different moves and leader Jeff Gervin and club members demonstrating the moves.

“That worked out really well,” Robertson stated. “People were more interested in that than I thought.”

A major part of the day was the performance of the Fubuki Daiko Japanese drummers. Based in Winnipeg, the group synthesizes traditional taiko drumming with modern influences. The mixture of art and athletics made an impression.

“I think they did really well. It is something people don’t see every day, and I think the crowd enjoyed them. I think they were happy with everything too.”

The symbol of Canada was up next. The RCMP Musical Ride has been performed countless times for enraptured audiences. Boissevain was no different. As Robertson said, they were nothing if not punctual.

“The ride went on at 2 pm,” he said with a laugh. “They said they were going to come into the ring at 1:57 and they did.”

He said their performance was about 3⁄4 of an hour long. Half an hour was spent on the ride itself, with time afterwards for the crowd to meet the horses and riders.

The ride traditionally includes many elements. The riders, who are ordinary police officers, who spend three years participating in the 32-person team, participate in a variety of intricate figures and cavalry drill. The two most recognized movements include the Dome (which was once on the $50 bill) and the charge with lances lowered. They did not disappoint.

“Everything they said they were going to do, they did.”

Robertson feels the performance made the appropriate impression, particularly for those with an equestrian bent.

“It is amazing what horses can do in formation. They are so well trained. If you are into horses, I am sure you would be amazed by all they can do.”

Others felt similarly. Wally Kroeker was in attendance, interestingly for his third or fourth ride. He said there was no specific move that impressed him the most, but the overall show is always worth attending.

“I guess my caption would be ‘it makes me proud to be a Canadian.’ Kroeker explained.  “It takes a lot of work and effort for them to do this, to do the synchronization. It is certainly something to see.”

He was also impressed with the makeup of the team.

“Half of the group were women, which was neat to see. It was really positive to see so many women involved.”

Although not normally his style, he felt Fubuki Daiko also did well, showing great athleticism, and adding some diversity to the event.

The money raised from the event is to go to the Boissevain Golf Course water system. Robertson said he was not sure how much they raised for the cause, but it could be considerable, as they needed to sell only 600 tickets to break even and might have come close to doubling that. As well, the golf club ran the lunch at the event to make more revenue for the new system.

“The money should help quite a bit,” Robertson stated. “It is one of the major projects the Lions are doing, so I think we did well there.”

There is also the question of aesthetics. As well as fund-raising, it is important for a community to host events that bring unique experiences and pleasure to the people. Mayor Ed Anderson commented on that value.

“I thought it was a really great show,” Anderson stated, “a great crowd and a great day for Boissevain. Those Lions who were involved did a tremendous job.”

Kroeker also felt it was worthwhile.

“As a Lion myself, I think it was well worth the effort,” he said. “It was a great event for the people of Boissevain and there were also a lot of people in from outside too, so we can’t forget that.”

Robertson said it was a good event on many levels.

“I think it worked really well,” he stated. “The Lions volunteers helped out with no complaints, and many hands make for light work. They jumped in and made for a great day.”

“I think it works out for great public relations for the RCMP. The time after the ride was great; they were so good and patient with the people. I think it was a great day for the town.”