The 57th annual Hastings College Melody Round-up Parade will begin at 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 29. The parade will follow the college’s Homecoming/Family Weekend theme “Wild with Pride, 125,” in honor of the 125th anniversary of the college’s founding. 

 The parade will include marching bands, floats by Hastings College organizations, antique and classic cars, and the 2007 Hastings College Homecoming royalty. Grand marshal for the parade will be Bandit the Bronco, the Hastings College mascot. 

 The color guard will be provided by Cub Scout Pack 192.

 The parade will begin at the intersection of 4th Street and Colorado Avenue, then proceed west on 4th Street to Lincoln Avenue; south on Lincoln Avenue to 2nd Street; and east on 2nd Street to Kansas Avenue.

 In addition to the Hastings College marching bands, 15 high school and junior high school bands will participate in the parade including: Adams Central High School, Blue Hill High School, Clay Center Senior High School, Deshler High School, Doniphan-Trumbull Junior High School, Doniphan-Trumbull High School, Exeter-Milligan Junior High School, Freeman High School, Friend High School, Giltner High School, Harvard High School, Hastings St. Cecilia High School, Red Cloud Junior/ Senior High School, Shickley High School, and Lawrence-Nelson High School.

 During the parade, bands will be evaluated by a panel of judges and awarded divisional ratings. Three awards will be presented: Outstanding Drum Major (chosen from among all bands), Outstanding Auxiliary/Flag Corps (in three classes), and Outstanding Band (in three classes.)  Winners will receive awards during a special presentation at 12:30 p.m. at Dutton-Lainson Plaza, 2nd Street and St. Joseph Avenue.

 Judges for the marching band competition are Duane Johnson, Hastings, Neb., Jon Cole, Omaha, Neb., and Dale Duensing, Hastings, Neb.

 Corporate sponsors for the parade include: Five Points Bank of Hastings, Heritage Bank of Hastings, Idea Bank Marketing, Sherry’s Cards & Gifts/Hometown Variety & Crafts, Moore Music Company, Dutton-Lainson Company, Dream Team Hair Care, and Hastings Business Improvement District.

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