It may be wise to plan ahead and put on some of your warmer clothing as you head out this Saturday morning to celebrate the 61st anniversary of a Carroll tradition, the Chamber of Commerce Band Day Parade. There are 16 bands and over 60 local businesses and organizations ready to line up for the 10:30 a.m. parade, starting at the corner of 9th and Adam Streets. This year’s route will travel from there, south to 7th Street, then east through Graham Park, where the entries will be judged. They will keep on marching, however, across Grant Road and into the new Carroll Stadium. Fans can see field presentations at the stadium and enjoy the half-time shows from Carroll and Kuemper Catholic High Schools as well presentations from Boone High School and the Adair-Casey/Guthrie Center drum line. Awards will be presented following these performances. Long-time Band Day supporter and well-known home builder, 88-year-old Roman Steffes, will be the 2018 Parade Marshal. He says he comes from a very musical family and Band Day has been a highlight for him every year. “It used to go right by our house at 102 South Adams Street,” Steffes says. “It was always fun to watch it go right by our porch. The grandkids would sit there and have the best view.” This year’s competition includes Class 1, 2 and 3A high school and middle school bands. Trophies are awarded for first through third places in each class. The groups are judged on showmanship, marching precision and musical presentation. One band will be selected to receive the Best Band trophy. A lineup of parade entries and a route map can be found below.
