RCMP Musical Ride Open House

By Manor Park Chronicle January 21, 2023

The RCMP Musical Ride officers hold a practice session in December in their stables and visitor centre. For the first time since 2020, and coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the RCMP, the Musical Ride is holding its open house and food drive event Saturday February 4. See page 5 of this edition for more details. Photo: Doug Banks

For the first time since 2020, the RCMP Musical Ride Open House and Food Drive is back.

The doors open Saturday, February 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the RCMP Musical Ride Centre located at 1 Sandridge Rd. The event is also bringing Winterlude to Manor Park as a proud partner activity of the winter festival.

“The open house allows us to spend time with the community we live and work in and we get to give back at the same time,” says Superintendent Kevin Fahey, the officer in charge of the Musical Ride. “Usually we’re away on tour all summer, so winter is a perfect time for people from our region to visit us.”

This annual tradition that began in 1996 is once again supporting the Ottawa Food Bank. Admission is free, but visitors are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item or a cash donation for the Ottawa Food Bank.

Superintendent Fahey says the relationship with the Ottawa Food Bank started decades ago. They’re pleased to continue supporting those in need of assistance. “Times are tough enough without having to worry about going hungry,” says Supt. Fahey. “It’s why we support the Ottawa Food Bank. They’ve been helping put food in bellies for a long time and we know how important that is.”

Through the generosity of visitors, the last Open House in 2020 raised over $3,700 and collected approximately 1,120 kg of food.

At February’s open house, visitors can tour the stables and meet the horses and riders of the world-famous Musical Ride. The event will also feature demonstrations from RCMP specialized units, family-friendly activities and displays of police equipment.

“It’s an opportunity to share our unique RCMP programs with the community,” says Supt. Fahey. “But it’s really great to see families’ reactions to meeting the horses and riders close-up and to see the positive exchanges between police officers and visitors.”

This year also marks the 150th anniversary of the RCMP. Don’t miss the chance to learn about this storied organization and share in this special anniversary kick-off event.

This article was written by Deidre Seiden, a spokesperson with the RCMP.