BONNYVILLE – It’s an event not quite like any other. The Regimental Ball hosted by the Bonnyville RCMP and Victims Services Unit, is comprised of uniquely Royal Canadian Mounted Police customs and steeped in almost 150 years of tradition.
The quinquennial event, held every five years, will take over the Bonnyville and District Centennial Centre (C2) on the evening of Sept. 17.
The return of the long-awaited event is rooted in customs and traditions that date back to the Officers' Mess of the British Army from two centuries ago, RCMP S/Sgt. Sarah Parke told Lakeland This Week.
Parke has been an RCMP member for 22 years, and says the event still brings a sense of pride for her and her fellow officers in red serge.
“I do feel like there's an element to attending this event that the public can expect that they won't get anywhere else just based on these traditions,” she said.
The evening’s formal program will include some of the history of the RCMP, a performance by the RCMP Band that includes bagpipes and drums, with other unique RCMP customs folded into the mix.
“It is a unique experience in that respect, but we will also be plugging in some originality and making sure everyone has a great time,” said Parke.
Tickets moving quickly
Event organizers have made 450 tickets available for the Regimental Ball, which includes dinner, a silent and live auction with a dance to follow.
"The sales are going quite well, and with time running down the ticket sales are moving quicker and quicker. So, we're encouraging people if they are considering (attending), to purchase their tickets right away so that they are not disappointed,”
Ticket sales have been capped so if all tickets have been purchased prior to the event, no more will be made available.
Tickets for the adult-only event cost $100 each, with all proceeds raised supporting Bonnyville Victim Services. A tabletop sponsorship can also be purchased for $300.
“The Bonnyville RCMP would not be what it is today without the Bonnyville Victim Services Unit. They complement us greatly, and it is oftentimes in the shadows, and they go unrecognized, but what they can offer members of the public who are in need of victim services is invaluable,” acknowledged Parke.
Due to the event being held every five years, organizers are not sure what to expect when it comes to how much will be generated through the fundraiser
“With the downturn in the economy and the pandemic, we really aren't sure what to expect, although we are really hopeful that the community will show up to this as far attendance, donations and sponsorships go,” she said. "We're mainly happy to be able to even put this event on.”
Regimental Balls have been a way for local detachments to raise funds for non-profit organizations. In 2017, the St. Paul detachment’s regimental ball supported the expansion of the St. Paul-based women’s shelter.
Anyone interested in purchasing tickets or sponsorships is asked to contact Bonnyville Victim Services at (780) 343-7255 or drop by the Bonnyville detachment to connect with Victim Services.
“Donations and sponsorships are always welcome, and people can call Victim Services to do that, but also to check on availability of tickets,” she added.
For guests interested in purchasing whole tables, eight or 10-seat tables are also available.
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