The Melville and District Agri-Park is making the final preparations for one of the nation's renowned performance groups.
The RCMP Musical Ride is giving two performances in Melville Sunday - at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. - and Agri-Park manager Jamie McDonald says she is expecting huge crowds for the day.
"People have been calling and asking for the tickets everyday since the announcement," McDonald explains.
"The advantage we have is its on the weekend, so we're going to draw in from quite the area."
The Musical Ride is made up of a troop of 32 riders and horses, plus the member in charge, and is one of Canada's longest-standing traditions with the first performance occurring in 1887.
Each year members of the Musical Ride embark on a 100-day tour and visit 40 different venues.The Musical Ride also travels to every province on a four year rotational basis, and last visited Melville in 1998, even though McDonald says the city has been on the waiting list as a potential host for the last six years.
McDonald says people in the area need to take advantage of the Ride's performance Sunday as well, as budgetary problems with the Musical Ride almost kept the performance out of the province this year and may prevent it from making its regular stop in Saskatchewan in future years as well.
"They may not be back to this area," McDonald says. So, while the Ride is in town, the Agri-Park is making sure it takes advantage of it. Securing two shows is a rarity for many cities, explains McDonald, but because of the city's well-kept facilities, the performers are opting to rest in Melville for four days.
In return, the Ride is offering the second performance. The Agri-Park will also be open to visitors from Saturday until Tuesday so people in the area can see the horses or visit with riders and trainers.
Meanwhile, the Sunday performances will see three individuals from the Melville area receive special recognition as well.
Jack Piller and George and Anita Bella will be receiving the traditional salute during the RCMP's Regimental March at the conclusion of each show.
McDonald says the trio of perennial Agri-Park supporters were chosen because of their continual involvement.
"They've been very involved in the Agri-Park year-round for many years," McDonald explains.
"For anything from janitorial work to construction, they are always there."
Tickets to the performances can be picked up at the Melville Tourism Office, Royal Drug Mart, City Hall, Agri-Park or from any Agri-Park Board member.
All tickets are useable for either the afternoon or evening show, and people can pay at the gate if they are unable to grab the advance tickets.
Adult tickets are available for only $10, while six to 12-year-olds will get in for $5 and children under six are free.
The Musical Ride will be in Swift Current before heading to Melville, and is giving performances in Rocanville June 1 and Pelly June 3.
