Letter - Time to catch marching band fever

Talk about it

To the editor:

I’m sure everyone read the May 5 edition “The Norwegians are coming” article, but there is something readers might not know. At the April 12 City Council meeting, Mayor Dan Ness signed paperwork that officially proclaims June 26-27, 2010 as Vikingland Band Festival Weekend in Alexandria. Yes, that’s right. After 25 years as the “premier” marching band festival in Minnesota, if not the upper Midwest, we have earned the official recognition that the festival deserves.

Our loyal spectators know what I’m talking about, but, for those of you who are asking “What’s the big deal?” visit our website: www.VikinglandBandFestival.com and read up. The facts are: 2,000+ high school students work very hard to display their pageantry, choreography, regimentation and musicianship. In turn, the audience is awarded a high caliber musical parade/competition of excellence. And, if that is not enough, this year we have added an international element. This small town in Midwest America, through our Vikingland Band Festival’s reputation, has extended our Scandinavian hospitality “over the pond and beyond,” all the way to Norway.

As the festival enters its 26th year, please help sponsor this treasured event by becoming a Friend of the Festival. Join in – any amount is appreciated. It all helps toward the production of this worthwhile community event.

Catch the band fever. Come and enjoy the free Root Beer Float Concert on the night of June 26, as well as the parade on Sunday, June 27. To find out more about becoming a Friend of the Festival or to receive a copy of the Proclamation, call me at (320) 763-3161 or visit our website www.alexandriamn.org.

Thanks, and keep ‘em marching!

LuWanna Johnson, coordinator

Vikingland Band Festival

Alexandria Chamber of Commerce

Tags: luwanna johnson, vikingland band festival, opinion, letters