By Local RCMP Regimental Ball to be Hosted by Turner Valley RCMP.
By Pam Jones, Editor.
Prestigious, Historical, Fun and Entertaining.
These words all came to mind when Sgt. Paulina Larrey-King told me that our local RCMP Detachment were going to be holding a local Regimental Ball at the end of September.
While pondering why these words came to mind I had to admit to myself that I really didn’t know much about a Regimental Ball. Images of a sea of red coats escorting evening dress clad ladies around a ballroom also came to mind, along with (of course) a delicious meal.
Paulina told me the evening would be loads of fun and a night of tradition and as formal as formal gets in the West – bought your new cowboy hat yet? How could I resist?
I know that the North West Mounted Police came to Southern Alberta in 1874 and that they changed their name to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 1920. I know that Alberta is the “K” Division and has about 100 detachments now throughout Alberta and consists of about 2,600 members. But that’s about all I know about their history and traditions.
Several years ago I heard that the Regimental Ball was an opportunity for the community to come together with their local RCMP members and have a formal, informal evening of camaraderie, dining and dancing. I also heard that the Balls originated way back in the late 1800’s in Fort Garry, Winnipeg to help officers mingle with the public and gain their trust.
Sounds like a good excuse to get dressed up to me – how about you?
The Turner Valley Detachment Regimental Ball will be held on Saturday, September 26th at the Millarville Racetrack Hall and starts at 6:00pm. Tickets can be purchased from the RCMP Detachment in Turner Valley: 403-933-7227. There will also be a Silent Auction with proceeds going to help the Diamond Valley Boys & Girls Club Bike Track Project.
