You may want to mark July 18th on the calendar as the RCMP Musical Ride will be coming back to Cochrane.

For the first time since 2014, thirty-two scarlet-coated Mounties and their horses will perform a variety of intricate figures and cavalry drills choreographed to music during an afternoon and evening show at the Cochrane Ag Grounds, with all proceeds going back to the Cochrane community.

Rob Cameron, Chairman for the RCMP Musical Ride, says he is excited to bring the event back to Cochrane. "It is a world-class event and a Canadian icon which in some ways we have moved away from. Canada is known for several things, and one of the things it is known for is, its red-coated Mounties on horseback."

In the past, the RCMP Musical Ride has drawn in close to 2500 spectators which Cameron feels they should surpass this year. "We think we should be able to bring in 3000 a show because the population of Cochrane has grown by probably three to four thousand since they were here in 2014 and we will concentrate a lot of our ticket sales in Calgary. This is huge for Cochrane, huge for the AG Grounds, and huge for all those involved including those that are going to receive the proceeds."

Cochrane VIctim Services has been named as one benefiting organization, and Cameron is waiting on a couple of other confirmations before naming others. Hoping to contribute as much money as possible to the local organizations depends on how many businesses they can partner with. If the event, can draw in $50,000 to $60,000 worth of community support, they should be able to donate a good chunk back to the named organizations.

While the Musical Ride runs roughly 30 to 40 minutes, there will be pre-entertainment leading up to both the 1:30 in the afternoon performance and the evening show which begins at 7 pm.

Encouraging attendees to make the Mounties feel welcome is also important to Cameron, who shares many riders are often provinces away from home and on the road for quite some time. "Stop in, say hi, meet the horses, bring them a coffee...just anything. Help them feel at home and show them our western hospitality."

If you would like to partner with the RCMP Musical Ride or be considered to provide additional entertainment, you are encouraged to contact Rob at cochraneposse@shaw.ca

Ticket sales will be available in advance as well as at the gate for an additional cost. When information is released on how to get your hands on tickets, we will let you know.