VIDEO: Park Center earns top prize at 2012 Vikingland Band Festival

Alexandria was once again blessed with blue skies and sunshine for a parade on Broadway – the third one this year. Jefferson High School hosted the 28th annual Vikingland Band Festival on Sunday, June 24.

Nineteen bands, including Jefferson, performed four times along the route in 80 degree heat that was offset by an occasional whipping wind. The festival reported 2,000 performers in this year’s event.

Veteran festival goers sat chilled under umbrellas in prime locations perched at the edge of the sidewalk – coolers and sunblock close at hand. Rookie spectators tried to grab a piece of wall on the shady side of the street. All were hoping not to miss a step in the bands’ routines.

A Broadway streetscape and solo saxophonist were featured in Jefferson’s number, which was awarded best exhibition. As host band, Jefferson was not competing in the championship.

Albany tacked a chant onto the end of their bit and stomach pounding rhythms were felt when Grand Champion Park Center performed its tribal skit, “The Ritual.” The 728 Cadets won People’s Choice.

Bands congregated at the high school’s football field for a championship ceremony where winners were announced following the parade.

Grand Marshal Jim Eidsvold led the parade, cruising behind the Alexandria Police Department and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office squads. The Honor Guard also marched and banners displaying sponsorship insignia were carried between band performances.

The Vikingland Band Festival is always held on the last Sunday in June. Upcoming dates are June 30, 2013 and June 29, 2014. Reserved seating is available near the judges’ zone. Festival organizers report that more than 20,000 people turn out for the event each year.

2012 VIKINGLAND BAND FESTIVAL WINNERS

GRAND CHAMPION – Park Center

PEOPLE’S CHOICE – 728 Cadets

EXHIBITION – Jefferson High School

AAAA – Mankato Lancers

COLOR GUARD – Mankato Lancers

PERCUSSION – Mankato Lancers

WIND SECTION – Mankato Lancers

AAA – Park Center

COLOR GUARD – Park Center

PERCUSSION – Park Center

WIND SECTION – Park Center

AA – Winona Cotter

COLOR GUARD – Winona Cotter

PERCUSSION – Sauk Rapids-Rice

WIND SECTION – Winona Cotter

A – Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg

COLOR GUARD – Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg

PERCUSSION – Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg

WIND SECTION – Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg

Visit vikinglandbandfestival.com to see the final scores.

Crystal Dey

Crystal Dey is a staff reporter for the Echo Press. Originally from Minnesota’s Iron Range, Dey worked for newspapers in North Dakota, Florida and Connecticut before returning to her home state to join the Echo Press in October 2011. Dey studied Mass Communications at Minnesota State University Moorhead with an emphasis in Online Journalism. Follow Staff Reporter Crystal Dey on Twitter at @CrystalDey_Echo.

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