Re: Advocate, March 19, Page C1: Rotary Clubs plan luncheon as fundraiser for Red Deer Royals
Kudos to Red Deer Rotarians for their recognition of the value and contributions that the Red Deer Royals have made to the youth of Red Deer and Central Alberta for the last number of decades.
The Red Deer Royals have been recognized locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally as a high-calibre marching and concert band.
They are truly deserving of the community’s support.
Every neighbourhood in Red Deer, every street and avenue, nearly every middle and high school in all of Central Alberta can claim at least one Royals alumnus as its own. And that includes two of my own kids.
From spring thaw to fall freeze-up each year, the Royals can be found somewhere marching along delivering their message of “Music in Motion.”
This organization needs a permanent home.
The Royals are so respected in Alberta that the Calgary Stampede Association invites the Royals to play on the grounds for five days each year during the annual Stampede. High praise indeed, especially in light of the bevy of Calgary-based marching bands that the Stampede Association nurtures and supports.
Curiously, the Royals never seem to get invited to play on the grounds of their hometown fair, Westerner Days. Aside from the Westerner Days Parade, I can only think of one occasion where the Royals were invited to play at a Westerner-sponsored event (Alberta Centennial Celebrations in 2005). I wonder why that is?
Ray Yaworski
Red Deer