RCMP Musical Ride to Perform at Fort Wellington National Historic Site

News release

April 16, 2018                                 Prescott, Ontario                             Parks Canada Agency

 

Parks Canada is proud to welcome the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Musical Ride to Prescott. On July 4th, residents and visitors are invited to come out to see the world-renowned troop of 32 horses and riders perform at Fort Wellington National Historic Site.

Parks Canada will welcome the Musical Ride back to Fort Wellington for the first time in 14 years, with a full day of activities for the whole family. Every year, the Musical Ride brings its show to communities across the country to perform a variety of figures and drills choreographed to music. The show provides the public with an opportunity to experience the heritage and traditions of the RCMP. Activities are still being planned to accompany this truly Canadian experience and admission to the event will be free.

The Musical Ride is one of many exciting events planned at the Fort for the 2018 season. As a community gathering place, Fort Wellington will continue to present the strategic importance of the St. Lawrence River during and prior to the War of 1812, which includes Indigenous presences, traditions, and culture. Fort Wellington opens on May 19th with a step back to the War of 1812, as re-enactors will be providing demonstrations all weekend. On May 26th, visitors can sign up to fire an authentic cannon and take part in an Artillery Day with active members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Parks Canada encourages visitors to plan their trips and discover new and exciting destinations in 2018 by consulting Parks Canada’s website, or downloading the Parks Canada Mobile App, for a list of hidden gems.

Additional multimedia

The RCMP Musical Ride returns to Fort Wellington on July 4th (©Parks Canada).

Quick facts

  • Located in Prescott, Ontario, Fort Wellington was built to protect the St. Lawrence River transportation route during periods of Canadian military conflict beginning with the War of 1812, through the Rebellions of 1837 up until Canadian Confederation in 1867.

  • The Musical Ride was developed in 1876 by early members of the North-West Mounted Police to display their riding abilities and entertain local communities.

  • The first recorded public display of the Musical Ride was in Regina, Saskatchewan in 1901.

Associated links

Contacts

Leslie MacPherson
Public Relations and Communications Officer
613-246-3841
Leslie.MacPherson@pc.gc.ca

Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca

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