A Canadian favourite
The RCMP Musical Ride is headed to Russell on June 1. The show is sure to entertain after not being in the area since 2011.    Sawyer Helmer file photo

Kalynn Sawyer Helmer
Villager Staff
RUSSELL — The RCMP Musical Ride is coming to Russell on Fri., June 1 for everyone to enjoy. The Musical Ride was in Russell in 2004 and then 2011 but has not come back since. Connie Johnson approached the Ride in 2005 in the hopes of bringing the show in 2008, yet, the popularity of the event across North America meant their schedules were booked for years in advance. Luckily this year, the show is back to delight audiences of all ages.

Equine feats
The RCMP Musical Ride features daring routines and intricate movements of riders atop their mounts. The participants practice extensively to bring the show together.
Sawyer Helmer file photo

With plenty of room, the Russell Lions Club who are hosting the event, will have seating for roughly 2,500 people. The show starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Russell Fairgrounds. Opening for the Musical Ride are the Capital Cowgirls. The Capital Cowgirls are a group of 10 women who perform daring and exciting routines on horseback. The group was established in 2017 in the Metcalfe area and is sure to entertain.
After the Cowgirls, Serge Lemieux and Pam Masey from Canadian Canine training academy will take to the grounds to showcase their PTSD service dogs in action. During this portion of the show, there will be a tribute to the late Jonathan Pitre.

Children 13 and under can pick up a colouring sheet anytime before June 1 and submit it coloured during the show. The winners will have a meet and greet with the riders and their horses in the centre ring after the Musical Ride ends. Refreshments and food vendors will be on site as well as a silent auction to help raise funds for the Embrun Family Centre.

Johnson said she was very excited for the event and hopes to see a big crowd come out to enjoy the splendor of the performances.

Tickets are available ahead of time or at the door. They are being sold $10 for adults, $5 for children ages five to 13, and under five is free. Tickets can be purchased and colouring sheets can be picked up at Embrun Shoppers Drug Mart, Russell Foodland, Russell Pronto and Urban Country. Tickets are also available from Johnson herself, call 613-445-3587.