REGINA — RCMP officers turned out to be the life of the party in a small Saskatchewan community.
After learning of plans for a high school frosh gathering in the Lumsden area, officers posted on Facebook that they would be showing up with chips and salsa, but possibly also with charges for underage drinking, open liquor and providing alcohol to minors.
In the end, no fines or charges were laid. But several people at the party posted photos to Facebook showing them enjoying their snack.
Sgt. John Armstrong of the Lumsden RCMP detachment said it had to be done.
"(It) sort of took on a life of its own and if we didn't bring the chips and salsa, I think we would have had more consequences ... if we didn't show up, with all the press," said Armstrong.
Mounties mingled with the party-goers and made sure everyone knew they could be more strict if things started getting out of control.
But Armstrong said in the end, the young people were very well-behaved. They took selfies with the chips and group photos with the officers and shared them on social media. Mounties patrolled the road outside the party and pulled over numerous vehicles, but found no impaired drivers.
"It was well received and they sort of all swarmed to us and we handed out the chips and salsa and they loved it," Armstrong said. "They couldn't believe that we had came through on our promise."