Mt. Pleasant, Highland to send bands to Parade of Champions

Mt. Pleasant and Highland schools will be sending bands to perform in the 30th Annual Parade of Champions Oct. 9 in Kahoka, Missouri.

The Highland High School band will perform in the parade. The Mt. Pleasant High School band will compete in the field show. The marching band event and field show competition are sponsored by the Clark County R-1 Fine Arts Boosters.

“We are very excited about Parade of Champions this year,” said Carrie Hamner, Fine Arts Booster president. “There are 25 bands in our parade competition and 16 for the field show. This is the most bands we have ever had the opportunity to host.”

While last year’s event may have been smaller due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s competition promises a full schedule of bands.

“Last year we managed a much smaller, COVID-friendly version of our competition,” commented Hamner. “This year will be back to a more normal environment, while still trying to maintain the safety of our bands and spectators.”

Marching band fans will have the opportunity to watch several area bands compete as they march down the streets of Kahoka. The parade route will bring bands along the west side of the square and then turn on to Main Street and continue east to the High School.

An Honor Guard will lead the parade, starting at 2 p.m.

“We hope everyone will come out to support the bands,” exclaimed Hamner. “These students and directors dedicate hours to perfecting their performances and are always excited to perform for the fans."