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Marching Band Information

The Homestead Committee invites all Marching Bands to be a part of the Annual Homestead Festival Parade. We hope you will join us as we endeavor to celebrate the performing arts!

Important Information

  • All bands will be in the first half of the parade to ensure they can make it to the award/food ceremony close to the same time and to avoid overheating in band uniforms.
  • A donation will be made to each participating school to show our appreciation to the schools for making the trip and being a part of the parade. Checks will be handed to the band directors on the day of the parade.
  • Donations are based on band size as outlined below:
    • 25 – 49 members ($300.00)
    • 50 – 74 members ($500.00)
    • 75 – 99 members ($750.00)
    • 100 + members ($1,000.00)

DAY OF PARADE

  • Buses can drop off participants at Rotary Park. All bands will wait at Rotary Park for the parade to start.
  • Once buses drop off participants, they can make their way down to Midland States Bank, 606 South Main Street, Princeton, Illinois. Buses can park there and wait for band members to finish the parade.

Band Judging and Awards:

  • Trophies will be awarded to the marching bands based on musical performance, precision, and crowd appeal.
  • Judging will take place as the marching bands pass through the announcer’s booth on South Main Street. In the past, the committee has asked for bands to stop and perform in front of the booth; however, in order to keep the parade moving steadily bands should play throughout the parade route and past the announcer’s booth (no stops to perform).
  • When the marching bands get to the end of the parade route, take a left and proceed around the circle to South Main Street. Turn right on South Main and Midland States Bank is just ahead on the left. The Princeton Rotary Club will be serving hotdogs and a drink to all band participants in the parking lot. Once all marching bands complete the parade, awards will be given. While bands are waiting for awards, they are welcome to load up all their equipment on the bus.

Awards will be given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in categories based on band size.