Shilo Stag

“Let’s get the word out!”

That five word quote comes from Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery Regimental Major Maj Lindsay Jackson, who is co-chair for the four-day RCA Reunion being held at CFB Shilo starting June 29.

“It’s officially a GO for 2023,” she announced. “Put [the dates] in your calendars and more details will come soon.”

The RCA Reunion was initially postponed in the summer of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Plans to have it happen in 2022 were also cancelled because of the pandemic.

What do we know so far? June 29 will see registration commence, with the campground open to those who bring their trailers while staying on the Base. There’s also a barbecue and meet and greet from from 4 to 10 p.m.

The following day, 1RCHA will host a firepower demonstration near the Dief Bunker and beside the soccer pitch built by the Germans when they trained in the RTA, while the RCA Museum and Regimental lines will be open for touring.

From 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., there’s a banquet at L25, with a dance to follow. Music will be provided by a deejay, as well as the Gunner band called Steele Rain from CFB Gagetown, NB.

It will be a busy July 1 for those attending the RCA Reunion — besides Canada Day festivities, there’s also a golf tournament at the Shilo Country Club. Fireworks at 10 p.m.

There will be a Gunners memorial service July 2 in the morning at Canoe River Memorial Park. The reunion will conclude afterwards following a departure coffee at L25.

The reunion will coincide with 1RCHA celebrating its 125th anniversary.

More information to come. Next planning meeting Jan. 27 at 1 p.m. takes place at RCA HQ out of the RCA Museum.