WHITEWATER REGION (Beachburg) — Ron Lowe was watching from the heaven’s above late Saturday afternoon, ensuring Mother Nature co-operated and provided a great spring day for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride, which was hosted by the Beachburg Agricultural Society.
Mr. Lowe died on July 25, 2010. There was a sign at Saturday’s event that said “Beachburg Fair Salute You Ron.”
Guest speaker Barry Stephens spoke about the significance of the tribute to Mr. Lowe.
Three years previous to Mr. Lowe daying, he was part of the Beachburg Fair organizing committee for the 150th celebration of the Beachburg Fair, he recalled.
One of the ideas was to have the RCMP Musical Ride as part of the 150th festivities, and Mr. Lowe made the phone call. Unfortunately, it didn’t work into the schedule. In 2009, the question was again asked, but declined, again, because of the schedule.
The Society’s name remained on the waiting list and the call finally came.
Mr. Stephens also recalled Mr. Lowe’s dedication to the society, the community and the municipality, as he was a member of the Beachburg Lions Club and sat on municipal council for many years.
Another guest at the event, who didn’t talk much, was RCMP Const. Kris White. He is the son of Doug and Jody of Beachburg, and sister to Kimberly. He is currently stationed in Fort McMurray.
Becoming an RCMP officer was not in Kris’ career choice growing up. As a matter of fact, following high school, he went to university, studying to become a chemical engineer. Following his first year, he opted not to return because he didn’t like it. Back at home, someone suggested he go for a ride-along with the local OPP – so he did – and has never looked back.
When asked why he eventually chose the police career, he said he wants to make the people in the community he serves feel safe.
Following the opening speeches, the 2 Mechanized Pipe and Drum Brigade entertained for about 20 minutes, along with a highland stepdancer.
Then, it was the main attraction. For the next 40 to 50 minutes, the 4,000 people were enthralled and entertained as the 32 horses and riders performed intricate steps and patterns performed by horses and riders.. There were applause throughout the performance as the large crowd showed its appreciation.
Once the event ended, the riders were recognized by the province they were from and then there was an opportunity for those attending to meet the riders and horses. While the crowd remained on the outside of the fencing, the horses and riders stationed themselves along the inside perimeter, giving themselves the opportunity to talk to the people, the chance for the people to pet the horses and for photos taken with the pair.
A special photo opportunity occurred for bride and groom Amy and Cody Villneff, who had gotten married prior to the event in the nearby Exhibition Hall. They were invited into the centre ring for a photograph with several members of the RCMP Musical Ride.
Following the event, ride organizer Adrian Vereyken and Beachburg Agricultural Society president Rona Lee McRae were happy with how the event went.
“It was amazing,” Mr. Vereyken said.
He noted the ride chooses to perform in two provinces a year and this year it was Ontario and British Columbia. They won’t be back in Ontario until 2021 and that’s in southern Ontario, he said.
Ms. McRae said Mr. Stephens received a phone call from the RCMP that they were trying to contact Mr. Lowe. He explained to them that Mr. Lowe had died, but that he would give the message to Ms. McRae and she would contact them.
Laughing, she said, “I didn’t even call anyone. I just told them yes.” Then, it was time to figure out the details.
Both agreed while it was a fundraiser for the Beachburg Fair, it was a good idea not to hold it at the same time. By doing so, children under 12 were allowed in for free.
“I wasn’t expecting 4,000 people,” Mr. Vereyken said, adding, he was going to be happy with 3,000.
“We had great weather,” Ms. McRae added.
And they both agreed that’s why there were only about 1,000 advance tickets sold, because people were waiting to see what the weather was going to be.
But don’t worry, they said, there’s still plenty of events planned for the Beachburg Fair, which is July 27, 28 and 29.
Along with the regular attractions of 4H club competitions, animal competitions and shows, the midway, the food, the exhibits in the exhibition hall and vendors in the arena, there is the demolition derby Friday evening; Monster Truck and Motocross Saturday; and Mel Langton is organizing the modified truck and tractor pull.
“It’s going to be another great fair,” Mr. Vereyken said.
