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INUVIK
Two Inuvik organizations will benefit greatly from the first RCMP Regimental Ball in almost 10 years.

Inuvik RCMP detachment members Const. Amanda Lowe, left and Const. Derek Young sport the red serge and gold belts that they will be dressed in for the Regimental Ball on Nov. 12. - Samantha Stokell/NNSL photo

The Children's First Society and the Inuvik Women's Shelter will receive all profits from the ball, which is expected to sell out. With tickets at $100 per seat, a live and silent auction, and many top brass from across the continent attending, the event should raise a lot of money.

"It's changed from an RCMP event to a charity gala event," said Const. Derek Young, a member of the organizing committee.

"The ball committee wanted to make sure the money stayed in the community and the two groups are strongly impacted by financial challenges. It was made quite easy as they can use it and every bit helps."

Young expects that with the way tickets are selling, the ball will generate a lot of income for the organizations.

The ball will be held on Nov. 12 in the community hall at the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex. Young expects to sell at least 200 seats. Many high-profile policing individuals have already purchased tickets to listen to the guest speaker, retired senior deputy commissioner Bill Sweeney.

Sweeney would have been the next national commissioner for the RCMP before he retired last year, after working as the commanding officer in the NWT, Alberta and the Northwest Region which includes Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, the NWT and Nunavut.

"It's appropriate because he was the commanding officer in the NWT," said Staff Sgt. Wayne Norris. "He's done 40,000 years with the RCMP and has a lot of stories to tell," he said with a laugh.

It's common to invite the neighbouring divisions to formal events, with the commanding officers of Alberta, the NWT and the Yukon, as well as the assistant deputy commissioner of Alberta and the commanding officer of Alaska State Troopers attending the ball.

This is the first regimental ball in Inuvik since the early 2000s. The idea stemmed from talk in the community of how much fun they had been. The goal is for the RCMP officers, partners, friends and community members to have a good time.

"We're going to share a lot of traditions," Young said. "We'll be sporting our red coats and (shiny) black boots with spurs and a gold belt. It's our formal uniform for when we go to formal affairs."

The traditions being shared come in part from the British Army and include activities such as a tribute to fallen members, the most senior officer serving dinner to the most junior member, a grand march and different toasts to the Queen.

There will be a three-course meal and dancing and the bar will be operated by the Inuvik Volunteer Fire Department, with cocktails starting at 6 p.m. and dinner served at 7:15 p.m.

As for what to wear to the regimental ball, Young encourages people to dress up as much as possible, but recognizes the limitations of the location and lack of clothing options in most people's closets. He hopes they will wear "something nice," whether it's a pair of slacks or a blouse.

Despite the festivities, the RCMP will have staff working that night. The detachment is also hoping to establish a safe ride program with the help of the high school to ensure no drinking and driving occurs.

To purchase a ticket, contact any RCMP officer or call the detachment.

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