Parade to feature ASU marching band

Arkansas State University's 196-member marching band will be featured in the 2009 Labor Day parade in Rector.

The large band's participation in the parade is sure to add a new and exciting dimension to an already-popular event which attracts thousands of spectators each year.

"We're thrilled to death that the ASU Marching Band will be with us on Labor Day with 196 marching members," said Richard Simmons, a member of the Woodland Heights Cemetery Commission, which sponsors the picnic each year.

"I'm told when they go to play they blow everything away for two blocks," he joked. "We've never had anything this large in our parade. It's not going to be overwhelming, but their presence will certainly be significant. We are just thrilled that they are coming."

The A-State Marching Band is a vital part of the action of ASU football. Each year the band's performances are varied and exciting, offering polished and energetic shows in a modified drum-corps style.

"We take great pride in performing multiple shows each season," said Dr. Kenneth Carroll, director of athletic bands.

The parade will begin at 9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 7, at the corner of Third and Main Streets and progress south to Highway 49 and then east to Rector Memorial Park. The parade also will feature the Rector High School Marching Band, beautiful floats, beauty queens, clowns, antique cars, horses and much more.