BURFORD A crowd of more than 2,000 spectators packed the grandstand at the Burford fairgrounds on Sunday for a performance of the RCMP Musical Ride.
The early afternoon show was delayed by 15 minutes due to a traffic jam of spectators wanting to see the world-famous event.
“It’s wild,” said Nancy Spierenburg, a director with the Burford Agricultural Society and co-ordinator of the ride’s visit to the community.
“We had to open another gate to let people in.”
Spierenburg said 2,000 tickets for the ride were sold online and guessed several hundred more were sold at the gate. Those who couldn’t find a seat in the bleachers spread out on the ground.
The fair board had been applying for a decade to bring the iconic event to the fairgrounds.
“It was a long time in the making,” said Spierenburg. “But it was great to see it come together on such a beautiful day.”
Mounties, wearing the traditional Red Serge, instantly identifiable by the scarlet British-style military pattern tunic, complete with high-neck collar and blue breeches with yellow stripe identifying a cavalry history, paraded through the grandstand atop their sleek black horses.
The troop of 32 riders and horses travel around Canada performing intricate figures and cavalry drills, choreographed to toe-tapping tunes by Canadian performers, including The Tragically Hip and Shania Twain.
After the show, the riders split up for short meet-and-greets with spectators.
The Musical Ride supports front-line police operations by building positive relationships, supporting recruiting efforts and promoting the RCMP’s image in communities in Canada and around the world.
The RCMP have cut back their show season this year due to trucking costs but will travel to various locations in Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes. The events raise millions of dollars each year for the communities where they perform.
Proceeds from the Burford show will go to the agricultural society to help cover the cost of other events and maintenance of the fairgrounds.
The society’s biggest event is the Burford Fair, which is held on Thanksgiving weekend.