COLD LAKE – The iconic RCMP Musical Ride is galloping into Cold Lake on July 24, and the City wants to make it a memorable and affordable experience for local families.
During the June 24 regular council meeting, Cold Lake City Council approved a motion to support up to 1,000 free children’s tickets for the event, with a maximum budget of $5,000.
The original idea, introduced by Mayor Craig Copeland and administration, was to purchase tickets for municipal staff and members of the medical community. However, after discussion, council pivoted toward making the event more accessible to children in the community.
CAO Kevin Nagoya noted that the estimated number of eligible individuals, including city staff, fire/rescue, and various health care workers, was around 800. “It looks like you can see that we’re approximately that plus or minus 800 people out there,” he said, adding the figure could rise when including groups like physiotherapists and massage therapists.
But some councillors expressed concern about limiting the offer to one professional sector.
“I don’t feel comfortable giving it to one type of employee within the community,” said Coun. Vicky Lefebvre. “But I have no problem sponsoring so many tickets, let’s say for children... I think if we provide the children with free entry and we cover that, I think that would be fair.”
Copeland supported the idea, suggesting the first 1,000 children could attend for free, with the City covering up to $5,000 in sponsorship.
Coun. Chris Vining supported the motion as a simple, inclusive way to bring families together. “I think the motion can be pretty simple, to support up to a thousand free children tickets to the show... and then the maximum is a $5,000 budget,” he said. “It cleans it off easy... If your kid gets a free ticket and we have up to a thousand of them available.”
The free children’s tickets will be tracked by the Cold Lake Agricultural Society at the gate, with no need for a complicated registration or screening process. The initiative ensures community engagement while also supporting the charitable nature of the Musical Ride event, which benefits local non-profits, according to the City of Cold Lake.
Ticket prices for the RCMP Musical Ride are $5 for kids (15 and under), $10 for adults, and $15 at the door. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. on July 24 at the Cold Lake Agricultural Society grounds.
The RCMP Musical Ride, a celebrated showcase of mounted RCMP officers performing choreographed drills to music. The event highlights Canadian tradition, supports local charities, and includes RCMP recruitment and community engagement activities, according to the City of Cold Lake.
Council approved a motion to allocate $5,000 to cover up to 1,000 free children’s tickets for the RCMP Musical Ride.
