Marching Bulldogs Raising Money To March In Independence Day Parade
Band Seeks Community Help To Make Trip To Washington
Last updated Sunday, March 25, 2007 6:42 PM CDT in News
By Rose Ann Pearce
The Morning News
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SPRINGDALE -- Rehearsals in the Springdale High School band room have a certain spirited cadence these days as the band prepares to march down Constitution Avenue in Washington on July 4.
The only obstacle to that goal right now is money.
Band director Russell Robinson said the band still needs to raise about $100,000 to make the trip. About $70,000 has been raised so far.
Springdale High School has been a frequent participant in the National Independence Day Parade in the nation's capital. The 130-member Marching Bulldog Band will be one of 25 bands -- and the only one from Arkansas -- to participate.
The parade route is a 10-block span on Constitution Avenue where a crowd of about 450,000 spectators is expected. The National Park Service and the National Independence Day Parade are the co-sponsors.
Robinson said the band has been invited to participate in other parades, but this one offers students a glimpse of history besides a chance to participate in parade activities.
"This trip is educational. We get to go touch history," Robinson said, noting the eight-day trip includes sightseeing around Washington.
The band also will perform two concerts, one at the World War II Memorial and the other at another Washington landmark, probably the Navy Memorial, as part of the Festival of States, Robinson said.
Each band member is required to come up with $1,150, and fundraising events have been scheduled to help students reach that goal. However, Robinson said, some students don't have family resources to rely on if their fundraising falls short.
That's why he is appealing to the community, especially former band members, to help out.
The fundraising has been more challenging this year, the director said, because several corporate sponsors have decreased their contribution, compared to past years.
"We're calling everywhere seeking donations," he said.
Meanwhile, one fundraiser is in progress and another is planned in mid-April.
Students are selling car wash cards to Boomerang Car Wash. The $10 cards are good for two $5 basic washes or a $10 deluxe wash.
Tickets will go on sale next week for the band's Potato Supper on April 19, featuring a baked potato with all the trimmings, a salad and dessert for $5. The event will be in the high school cafeteria.
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