LIMA, OH (WLIO) — Music and marching took center stage at the Allen County Fair on Sunday night.
Around a dozen marching bands from Allen County and beyond entertained the crowd with their music and moves during the annual Kewpee Showcase of Bands.
The event is not a competition. Instead, it gives students an opportunity to showcase their talent and the hard work they put in during band camp this summer as they prepare for football games throughout the fall.
Allen East was the host band for the evening and kicked off the event with a high-energy halftime show.
Members of the Mustang Brass said the showcase helps them get into the groove for a long marching season.
“I have been in band for I think 6 years now and out of all the shows this is probably one of my favorites. I feel like I put in and all of my drumline members have put in the most work for this show and we're super proud of it. We I mean we couldn't have done it better honestly,” says Gary Kill, Jr. Allen East Mustang Brass.
“It's been a long run. I had surgery and everybody's just been there for me cheering me on and me sitting on the sidelines and this is one of my first actual shows so it's very important to all of us and I'm glad I'm here to encourage everybody and this is my last show being a senior,” says Raenah Neeley, Sr. Allen East Mustang Brass.
“This is like one of our first shows that we do so it's like a test run so like we're trying to get into the groove. It's really rough because some of our newbies need to work harder but they're getting there. They're really doing great. I'm proud of every one of them,” says Kelsey Eley, Sr. Allen East Mustang Brass.
More high school squads will entertain the crowd Wednesday during the annual Cheerleading Competition in the Grandstand.
