A different kind of motorcycle gang is set to roll through Okotoks again this summer.
The Rolling Barrage, a coast-to-coast fundraiser in support of veterans and firs-responders, will pass through town on Aug. 19 and 20 this year. Run by military Minds Inc., the fourth annual ride is meant to bring awareness to and reduce the stigma of mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder.
In 2019 the Rolling Barrage made its first stop in Okotoks and comments from riders prompted Military Minds to make the town a destination in 2020 as well.
“The feedback from last year was this makes Parliament Hill look pretty boring,” said Carola Singer, who volunteers with the Rolling Barrage. “They were quite impressed.”
Another visitor said staying in Okotoks was the first time he had slept without nightmares in weeks.
Others mentioned the hospitality and friendliness extended by Okotoks residents, she said.
“One of the gentlemen came up to me and said this was the best welcome in three years across Canada,” said Singer. “I’m extremely proud of Okotoks.”
This year riders will come through from Jasper on a Tuesday evening, and Singer is hoping to have a CF-18 fighter jet fly-by.
The military will provide fly-bys in certain communities when the Rolling Barrage passes through, but the number of opportunities is limited so the crew for Okotoks has submitted an application and hope to be successful.
“It could be a fly-by or it could be another demonstration that they’ll provide, whichever the training facilities have available,” said Singer.
She received Town council’s support at its Feb. 24 meeting with a letter to accompany the fly-by application.
Last year, 90 riders came into Okotoks and of those 12 completed the entire cross-country tour, she said. At this time the number of participants for 2020 is unknown.
Riders included military veterans, RCMP members – both currently serving or retired – and firefighters, as well as some riding in solidarity. In 2019, Mayor Bill Robertson was one of the riders-at-large.
“It was an awesome experience, most definitely,” said Robertson.
He said the most notable part of the ride was coming into Okotoks and seeing the reception the riders received as they travelled down Veterans Way on their way to The George.
“Having a number of the participants come up to me and thank me on behalf of Okotoks for the great reception they had received, it was very special,” said Robertson.
Singer said if all goes according to plan, there could be a documentary on the Rolling Barrage as it makes its way across Canada, which would air on the History Channel.
For more information visit https://www.militarymindsinc.com/rolling-barrage.
