Yellowknife (June 20/03) - The world famous Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride will be performing in Yellowknife for the first time in history this Sunday.

The show, which also stopped in Hay River Thursday, will help commemorate the 100th anniversary of the RCMP in the Northwest Territories.

"It's a unique opportunity for people of the North to see a real Mountie," said Const. Dino Norris, who spent two-and-half years with the Musical Ride.

Thirty-two horses will be on display Sunday at William MacDonald school, strutting their stuff to a variety of classical tunes.

The Musical Ride is one of Canada's best known ceremonial acts. It has been performed nationally and internationally since 1876.

"It really is a culmination of a lot of hard work for both riders and horses," said Norris, who spent six months training for the shows.

The Mounties and their mounts are being hosted by the Elk's Lodge.

"It's something good for people to see," said Lodge manager Dave Hurley. "It's an event for everyone."

The Mounties will perform two half-hour shows at 1:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and children.

The afternoon show is sold out but Hurley says tickets are still available for the evening performance.

Tickets can be purchased at the Elk's Lodge until Saturday night. The proceeds will go back into the community.