April 22, 1999
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

Largest RCMP Musical Ride ever in province to be part of Soiree '99 celebrations

Charles Furey, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, along with Assistant Commissioner Larry Warren and Corporal Greg Nixon of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced today that the largest RCMP Musical Ride ever to take place in the province will occur August 4-15 as part of the Soiree '99 celebrations.

"It is with great delight the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador welcomes the announcement today of the 1999 RCMP Musical Ride Tour," said Furey. "The Soiree '99 celebrations are about "Celebrating Canada Our Way" and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Mounties, are probably one of the most well known, if not the most known, of symbols of Canada throughout the world."

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride will perform a total of 10 shows in eight communities across a two-week period commencing on August 4, making it the biggest Musical Ride Tour ever in Newfoundland. Originally a total of three performances spread between two communities was proposed. However, further negotiations proved to enhance the province's request.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride will perform:

Clarenville - August 4
St. John's (2 shows) - August 5
Burin - August 7
Grand Falls-Windsor - August 9
Gambo (The birthplace of Joey Smallwood) - morning of August 10
Gander - evening of August 10
Corner Brook (2 shows) - August 13
Port Aux Basques - August 15.

"It is very important to note that these family oriented demonstrations of equestrian excellence are also fundraising events for local charities as selected by the host communities," said Furey. "The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is very pleased to be associated with the 1999 RCMP Musical Ride Tour. This show will delight tens of thousands of people this coming August, and will support local charities as well."

The RCMP Musical Ride will return next year as part of an across Canada tour to celebrate the new millennium. Communities which did not receive shows in 1999 are invited to submit proposals for 2000.

Media contact: Tara Laing, (709) 729-0928.

1999 04 22 4:55 p.m.