Portagers can take in a spectacle that hasn't been seen in the city for more than 15 years Tuesday at the PCU Centre. The RCMP Musical Ride's returning, and it also marks the return of a former Portage la Prairie resident. Constable Erin Beaulieu grew up in Portage, before moving to Ottawa to join the RCMP about seven years ago. While she's not on the formal Musical Ride Tour this year, she's been involved with the event in the past, and will return to the stage this afternoon and this evening.

"Oh man! I'm extremely excited to come back and show in front of my friends and family. Obviously, it's a great experience."

During her time in training with the RCMP, Beaulieu says she always enjoyed the drills. She says that enjoyment, combined with her upbringing around horses, resulted in her jumping at the opportunity to join the Musical Ride several years ago. While she's not on tour this year, she's stayed well connected to the Ride as she serves as the trainer at the RCMP stables in Ottawa. Beaulieu says during Tuesday's show she'll be riding William, a horse she's grown accustomed to through numerous performances in the past, including at the Calgary Stampede. She says the opportunity to get back in the saddle in front of family and friends is an opportunity she's thrilled to take on.

"I love Canada, I love being Canadian and a Mountie. I love being able to come back and show on these beautiful, fabulous horses as one of the icons of Canada in front of my friends and family. It's fabulous."

While the Musical Ride hasn't been in Portage for about 16 years, it's not going to be her family's first time seeing her take to the stage. She says when performing in some of the western provinces, her family would often come out and take in the show. She encourages everyone to come out to today's shows, noting all drills are based on historic cavalry, and combine showmanship with precise manoeuvres.

The RCMP Musical Ride will see two shows today at the PCU Centre, the first at 2 o'clock this afternoon, and the later show starting at 7. A third show is also planned for the region, taking place in Austin at the Threshermen's Reunion, beginning at 7 o'clock on Wednesday.