North Platte, area middle school bands head to Kearney for 67th annual UNK Band Day Parade

North Platte, area middle school bands head to Kearney for 67th annual UNK Band Day Parade

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) - Student musicians from across west-central Nebraska will take to the streets of downtown Kearney this weekend for one of the region’s longest-running fall marching traditions, according to the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

UNK will host its 67th annual Band Day Parade at 10 a.m. Saturday. A university release stated that 32 middle and high school programs from across the state will join the UNK Pride of the Plains Marching Band.

Local musicians will be featured throughout the lineup, with bands representing North Platte, Cozad Middle School, and Ogallala Middle School scheduled to perform.

According to organizers, the parade steps off at 21st Street and Third Avenue, travels south to Railroad Street, heads east to Central Avenue, and turns north before concluding at 24th Street and Central Avenue.

Dating back to the 1950s, the event serves as both a community celebration and key preparation for the fall competitive season, including the Oct. 3 Harvest of Harmony Parade and Field Competition in Grand Island. The university said trophies will be awarded to the top three bands in each class, with additional honors presented for outstanding drum line, color guard, and overall champion.

Following the morning parade, bands have the opportunity to participate in the 10th annual Bearcat Marching Festival at Kearney High School, where clinicians provide feedback on field shows ahead of formal autumn competitions.

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