Governor General to attend RCMP Sunset Ceremonies

Ottawa, Thursday, June 30, 2005 — Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson Governor General of Canada and His Excellency John Ralston Saul will attend the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Canadian Sunset Ceremonies on July 2.

The theme of this year’s show is "Celebrating our Veterans” in recognition of the Year of the Veteran.

Rain or shine, free performances run nightly from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. until July 3 at the RCMP stables located at the Canadian Police College on St. Laurent Blvd North.

Free parking is available directly off the Rockcliffe Parkway , however, space is very limited.

Admission is free although spectators are encouraged to donate to the Mounted Police Foundation in support of the War Amps and the RCMP Memorial Cemetery at Beechwood. The MPF is a not-for-profit organization that manages the RCMP’s Licensing Program of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

During the Sunset ceremonies this week, there will be performances by the RCMP Pipes and Drums and Highland Dancers, Marie Soleil and the Central Band of the Canadian Forces. The line-up also includes a mounted arms display, the introduction of an RCMP mare and foal, rescue dog demonstrations, Crash the Clown with balloon art and face painting, the United Counties Pony Club and performances by the world famous Musical Ride at sunset every night.

This year’s event is being presented with the support of the following media sponsors: CJOH TV, Majic 100, 580 CFRA, CJRC 1150, The Ottawa Citizen, Le Droit, TVA - CHOT and 97.1 Couleur FM.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair, and be sure to dress for the elements as the show will go on except in exceptionally bad weather. The grounds are wheelchair accessible. Food, beverages and souvenirs can also be purchased on site

So come and spend a summer evening with friends and family enjoying an Ottawa tradition and watching a national icon perform!

For a nightly schedule of events of the 2005 Sunset Ceremonies, please visit www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/musicalride/sunset_schedule_2005_e.htm

For media inquiries, contact:

RCMP National Communications and Public Affairs Directorate at (613) 993-2999