Wildfire Smoke Forces Cancellation of the RCMP Musical Ride

The RCMP is calling off its Musical Ride event in Merritt this week due to the wildfire situation in the province.

The event was initially scheduled for Thursday evening (Aug. 26) , but the RCMP decided to call the event off because of the wildfire smoke billowing into the region.

“We’ve been notified that regrettably the RCMP must put the health and well-being of the horses first, so the show has been cancelled,” said Gert Leslie with the Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo. “It wasn’t unexpected, of course, but it’s still disappointing.”

The RCMP were forced to cancel shows last weekend, Aug. 15 and 16th in Armstrong because of wildfire activity in the region.

Leslie added that she has been assured that when the RCMP Musical Ride goes on tour again, a show in Merritt will be on the tour.

She noted that anyone buying advance tickets will be refunded in the coming days.

Persistent wildfire smoke and the proximity of the 68-thousand hectare Ainslie Creek  Wildfire smoke has also forced the cancellation of many events so far in the region including the last two Merritt Speedway races (Aug 1& 2) as well as this weekend’s  (Aug 22 & 23) racing.