Blue the new red at RCMP exhibit
Scarlet red fills the foyer of the RCMP Heritage Centre — the iconic colour of the Norflock serge jacket worn by Canada’s mounted police since the 1880s.
However, no trace of the famous red can be found in the centre’s annual summer exhibit that launched Friday.
Instead, blue, beige and black adorn the “More than a Man in Scarlet” exhibit that runs until Sept. 1.
“The reason we don’t see (red) is because we really wanted to focus on the dayto-day duty work that our members do, usually in a different uniform than the red serge,” explained Jodi Ann Eskritt, curator of the RCMP historical collections unit at Regina’s Depot Division.
Behind the crisp scarlet uniform, polished Strathcona boots, beige stetson hat and glossy black horses is an officer who, on an everyday basis, fulfils diverse roles that may be unknown to the public, Eskritt said.
With 150 different specializations in the RCMP, Eskritt said the exhibit showcases buckskin uniforms from the beginning of the mounted police to what officers are wearing today.
Bomb squad technology, dog handler equipment and scuba diving suits are also on display to give the public an idea of what today’s constables look like “on the streets.”
“We are really proud of it because it speaks to what our members are. It’s the people behind the uniforms,” said Chief Supt. Louise Lafrance, assistant commissioner and commanding officer at Depot.
Also new this year to the summer lineup is the Adopt a Horse Program. When the RCMP Musical Ride makes its way to Regina on July 31, families can purchase a package on a first-come, first-served basis to adopt one of the 36 horses on tour.
Some of Alan Nicholson’s grandchildren were able to adopt a few years ago.
“My granddaughter would come down every day and groom the horses. She would have been down here 24/7 if I would have allowed her,” laughed Nicholson, the centre’s CEO.
Kids who adopt will get a VIP treatment with the officers decorated in red. This includes seats in the family lounge, participating in the salute during the musical ride, tickets to the Queen City Ex and professional photos with their horse and rider.
“How many children get the chance to be treated that way?” asked Nicholson, adding the enjoyment for kids will be worth the $500 package price.
The tour will include 14 stops in Saskatchewan, starting in Yorkton on July 3 and ending in Regina on Aug. 2.
Other popular programs returning this summer include the more than 100-yearold Sergeant Major’s Parade held daily from Monday to Friday at 12:45 p.m. on the Depot grounds, driving tours of the academy, selfguided audio tours of the centre narrated by Canada’s most famous Mountie, Sam Steele, and sunset retreat ceremonies at 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday from July 1 to Aug. 11.