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For the third year in a row, the winner of the L.A. County Fair’s prestigious High School Marching Band Parade Competition will garner a spot in the internationally recognized Tournament of Roses® Parade. This marks the third year of a five-year agreement between the Los Angeles County Fair Association and the Tournament of Roses Association. Last year’s winner, Arcadia High School, will march in the 2012 Tournament of Roses Parade, embracing the parade’s theme, “Just Imagine.” The 2011 winner will march in 2013.
“We are honored that the L.A. County Fair's Marching Band Competition is the only competition in the country which has an at-large berth in the Rose Parade. This speaks to the fact that our friends at the Tournament of Roses have confidence that our competition will yield a deserving champion to march in the world's greatest parade each and every New Year’s Day," said Jim Henwood, LACFA president and chief executive officer.
“On New Year’s Day, the world looks forward to the splendor and spirit of the Rose Parade,” said Rick Jackson, president of the 2012 Tournament of Roses. "The bands that march down Colorado Boulevard are an integral part of this grand tradition, and we know the L.A. County Fair Band Competition champion will be an excellent addition. We look forward to having the talented students join us on the parade route and are honored to be a part of the judging process.”
In addition to vying for the chance to march in the Tournament of Roses Parade, the bands will compete for the competition’s top prizes of $5,000, $3,000 and $2,000 for first through third places respectively.
Bands march in parades held weekdays during the Fair. There are 40 spots available for participants. Schools may contact the Fair’s entertainment department, (909) 865-4506, for more information. Fair dates are Sept. 3 – Oct. 2.
For 122 years, the Rose Parade has featured majestic floral floats, high-stepping equestrian units and spirited marching bands. It is one of the staples of America’s New Year’s holiday. Approximately 47 million Americans watch the Rose Parade on television, as well as millions of international viewers in more than 220 territories around the world.
For the past several years, members of the Tournament of Roses Music Committee have served as judges for the top 3 finalists of the Fair’s band competition.
The L.A. County Fair is the largest county fair in North America and ranks in the Top Five among all North American fairs and festivals with an attendance of nearly 1.4 million. The Fair celebrates its 89th anniversary in 2011.
For more information, visit the Web site at www.lacountyfair.com.
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