The 80th annual Band Festival happened this Memorial Day weekend. The theme this year was “Totally 80s”. The events kicked off on Thursday night with a performance from the Middle School band in the plaza of Southbridge Mall. The carnival also opened that night, bringing with it the food vendors of all kinds. Also on Thursday, the Municipal Band performed in the plaza.
Friday night, there were performances on the stage in the middle of downtown. The High School Mohawk Danzers and Orchestra performed, and two cover groups performed as well – Betty and the Gents and The Dweebs. These bands covered songs that fit the 80s theme, along with other hits from all decades.
Saturday started off bright and early with the Stu Nevermann run at 8 am. The main event of the weekend, the 80th annual parade, started at 10:00. Led by the Mason City Marching Mohawks, bands from all over the area came to be judged and to show off their talents. The Grand Marshals for the festival were Mason City community members and longtime volunteers the late Fred and Ila Mae Fenchel. There were 13 bands in attendance, all sporting their own royalty. On Saturday night, the North Iowa band king and queen, Shaden Tweeten of Forest City and Katie Hirv of Rockford, were announced. The winning band, for the fourth consecutive year, was Lake Mills High School. There was an afternoon performance from the Mason City High School Jazz Band. There was also musical entertainment on the main stage in the evening.
The carnival had wristband days both Sunday and Monday, and the marketplace and vendors were also open for the remainder of the long weekend. It was a hot, but successful 80th anniversary tribute to music.
The Mohawk Press would like to thank senior, Sarah Dodd, for her contributions and wishes her best of luck with her future endeavors!