ASSINIBOIA - Six or seven months ago, I stopped by the Assiniboia detachment of the RCMP to chat with our new sergeant, Dennis Silliker. I was curious to know if his detachment was working on any criminal investigations I could write about, plus I wanted to know how I could best help our law enforcement team in town. We chatted briefly about policing in our area, and I asked him if there were any “good news stories” I could share with our faithful Assiniboia Times and SASKTODAY.ca readers. He informed me — off the record — that he was working on bringing the RCMP Musical Ride to Assiniboia.
Sgt. Silliker was a member of the famous musical ride for two years beginning in 2010, travelling throughout Canada, Germany, the United States and the United Kingdom, performing at Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee. His passion for the musical ride is obvious.
As fate would have it, I ran into Sgt. Silliker once again about three months ago. He was bubbling over with excitement. Proudly, he announced, “I have great news! We did it. The musical ride is coming to Assiniboia.” He continued, “We’re putting together an organizing committee right now to make it all happen.”
The sergeant and I may both have been spotted doing our little “happy dance.” Or maybe not. We both, however, were grinning from ear to ear. And that’s the truth.
Fast forward to this past Wednesday, June 15. The big day finally arrived. A variety of events and activities were planned for most of the day. Students from every small town in the south country, as well as local “shut-ins” and senior citizens, were all invited to attend a 1 p.m. performance at the Assiniboia Civic Centre. More than 850 enthusiastic students and smiling seniors showed up to fill the arena and watch the first flawless performance. Most had never before seen such a thing. There were cheers of approval and constant applause from everyone in the happy crowd.
After the performance, some of the riders commented they had never before witnessed such an “enthusiastic and electric audience.” The young people were engaged and responsive beyond all expectations. Needless to say, the riders were ecstatic.
At 1:45 p.m., the horses and riders left the Civic Centre, riding through the nearby streets past Prairie Villa and the Comfort Jubilee seniors cottages, delighting all their grateful residents. An hour or so later, the touring parade of colourful horses and riders made its way back to the fairgrounds where the riders groomed and tended to their faithful mounts, all the while chatting and mingling with the many curious visitors who showed up to observe and take photos.
Supper began at 4:30 p.m., and the final musical ride got underway at 6 p.m. Bleachers at the fairgrounds were filled to capacity with families, children, grandparents and folks from all backgrounds and walks of life. Everyone came to see one of the greatest shows on earth. And they were not disappointed.
One gentleman — a retired teacher who sat on the top row of bleachers — commented after the show, “I was surrounded mostly by young families and children. It was obvious they all came to be entertained and have fun. And they did just that. They were totally engaged like I don’t think I’ve ever seen before. It was wonderful to see.”
In total, more than 2,200 people attended the musical ride performances. Organizers of the event said the show would go on — rain or shine. And it did. Even the downpour of heavy rain near the end of the show did not dampen spirits or spoil the event.
Stephanie VanDeSype, Town of Assiniboia representative and a member of the organizing committee, commented in an interview, “The musical ride was a huge success. We are so thankful to our very generous, supportive community for their ‘in-kind’ donations, their financial donations, and [thanks also] to our many volunteers. The RCMP management and riders were very impressed with our facilities and the hospitality they were shown in Assiniboia.”
Many thanks are due to the musical ride organizing committee, whose members include: Sgt. Dennis Silliker and Ashley Burnay from the local RCMP detachment; Stephanie VanDeSype from the Town of Assiniboia; and Howard Ellis and Brandon Welder from the Kinsmen Club and Dwain Woolhouse from the Rotary Club. VanDeSype offered a huge thank you to everyone who helped out. “Assiniboia has so much heart. We’re better together.”
No one sums up the day better than Sgt. Silliker: “I think the musical ride in Assiniboia was a unique opportunity to be reminded of our past history and the origins of the NWMP. That rich history of the force is intrinsically tied with the history of our First Nations and the first settlers of this area. It was an honour to participate with our awesome volunteers and supporters to bring this amazing event to our community and celebrate yet another chapter in our history.”
To that, I say, “Amen, Sergeant!” Because from where I stand, that’s the way I see things, too!
