Gloucester Lions Club
With recent events in the city of Ottawa and across Canada that have affected the lives and wellbeing of those who serve it’s perfect timing that the Gloucester Lions are hosting ‘Family Day – A Tribute to Men and Women Who Serve’ at the Rideau Carleton Entertainment Centre this Friday evening, June 20, from 5pm – 9pm. A celebration and tribute to the men and women who go to work everyday to face potential dangers so that we don’t have to.
Since 1968 the Gloucester Lions Club has proudly served as a part of the largest service organization in the world. Lions Clubs International have over 1 350 000 members active in more than 46 000 clubs found in 213 countries worldwide. United in the belief that ‘community is what we make it’ Lions are active in their communities: volunteering, sustaining, leading, planning and supporting. They are local, to serve the unique needs of our community and regional district. They are also global, helping to address challenges that go beyond borders.
The ‘Family Day – A Tribute to Men and Women Who Serve’ will feature a performance by the world famous RCMP Musical Ride.
Wagonwheel Formation – provided photo
Although legend has it that the first Musical Ride was performed as early as 1876, the first officially recorded Musical Ride was performed in Regina under Inspector William George Matthews in 1887. The Musical Ride, consisting of twenty men, was put on public display for the first time in 1901. Over the years the popularity of the Ride has grown and it has become a familiar sight throughout most of the world.
Dome Formation – provided photo
Today, in keeping with tradition, the Musical Ride is performed by a full troop of thirty-two riders and horses, plus the member in charge. The Musical Ride consists of the execution of a variety of intricate figures and cavalry drill choreographed to music. Demanding utmost control, timing and coordination, these movements are formed by individual horses and riders, in two’s, four’s and eight’s at the trot and at the canter. Months of training, practice and many kilometres/miles around the riding school make horse and rider one. The horses must not only appear in the Musical Ride, but on Parliament Hill, in parades, special events and have the ability to travel and adapt to different environments, not to mention, hours of petting and photo-taking that the horses must patiently endure.
Friday’s event also features demonstrations by:
- Ottawa Fire Fighters High Angle Rescue
- Ottawa Police Services Canine Unit
- RCMP Pipe Band
There will also be free children’s activities available so be sure to bring the whole family.
Tickets for the event are: Adults $10/Children 6-12 yrs $5 for Outdoor Seating and Adults $40/Children 6-12 yrs $20 for Indoor Dining Room Buffet Seating. Children Under 6 are free! For ticket information contact tickets@gloucesterlions.ca. Tickets can be purchased at the door starting at 5pm.
For more information be sure to visit the Gloucester Lions online!
Family Day Rideau Carleton Entertainment Centre Downloadable Poster