Red Deer Royals embark on 48th season with annual Showband Classic

Other teams coming to perform will include the Stampede Showband, Round-Up Band, Stetson Show Band from Calgary, Bishop Grandin Marching Ghosts, and the Band of Outriders, all from Calgary.

After Sunday, the Royals have a heavy parade schedule, which includes stops at the Calgary Stampede and at events in Rocky Mountain House, Lacombe, Blackfalds, Canmore and Westerner Days. They’ve already been to Caroline.

“You can’t really have a parade without a marching band,” Rheaume adds. “Really, for the kids, it’s a lot of work, a lot of blood sweat and tears, but when you see them smile at the end and it gives them a sense of accomplishment and a sense of belonging, that’s why we volunteer to help out.”

As well, fundraising continues for the Royals to attend the World Music Competition in Kerkrade, Netherlands in early July.

Rheaume also couldn’t help reflecting again on the endurance of smiles on peoples’ faces when walking into the new fieldhouse.

“To my knowledge, we’re pretty much the only ones in Alberta that have this type of facility. It really makes it somewhat special for us. Of course we can’t thank the Red Deer Royals Alumni enough for their help in getting that figured out along with Red Deer Catholic. Because of them, we now have a place to call home,” he says, also mentioning the City of Red Deer and the Alberta Foundation for the Arts.

“To be in a spot, knowing that’s our home without having to wonder where we’re going to be next week, figuring out rides — nope, now it’s always in one spot and our equipment is all there. It’s a dream come true,” he says.

For more information, visit RedDeerRoyals.com.

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Red Deer Royals embark on 48th season with annual Showband Classic

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