The RCMP Heritage Centre turned into a winter wonderland as hundreds braved the cold during Friday's Frost Regina opening ceremony.
With the help of the RCMP Heritage Centre, organizers and sponsors, Frost Festival participants experienced Saskatchewan RCMP's take on this year's Frost Regina theme, "where winter comes alive."
To begin the event, local dignitaries were escorted by Saskatchewan RCMP and Regina Police Service officers. Elder Betty McKenna gave a blessing and Patrick Pelletier, Saskatchewan RCMP's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator, singed the Canadian anthem.
Tara Robinson, CEO of the RCMP Heritage Centre, along with other local dignitaries mentioned how special it is for the Saskatchewan RCMP to be part of Frost's opening Ceremony.
"To see all of this Red Serge and RCMP representation truly makes me so happy," said Saskatchewan RCMP Commanding Officer, A/Commr. Rhonda Blackmore. "I couldn't be prouder to be the Commanding Officer of the Saskatchewan RCMP – working alongside and in partnership with the many men and women who dedicate their lives to keeping this province safe."
Following speeches, Saskatchewan RCMP's Emergency Response Team (ERT) had a special mission which allowed them to show off their equipment and skills for the crowd: ensuring the puck made it safely to a shinny game between local youth and police officers. Their Tactical Armoured Vehicle entered the parking lot with lights and sirens on along with ERT officers in position on the roof of the Heritage Centre ready to guard the puck's entrance. Officers from ERT and Police Dog Services then escorted A/Commr. Blackmore to centre ice to hand off the puck.
In a truly Canadian experience, the shinny game was topped off with a free pancake dinner – complete with maple syrup.