Petal Marching Band Gears Up for the Inaugural Parade

The Petal High School marching band has been invited to represent the state of Mississippi in the 56^th Inaugural Parade. Over 1300 different organizations applied to participate in the parade. The Petal High Band is the only representative of the state of Mississippi who will be in attendance. That is, if they can raise the money.

The band needs to raise a total of $68,000 before January 13^th in order for the 158 members to attend the parade and represent the state. All participants of the parade must pay for their own lodgings and transportation. The band has been raising funds since they found out that they were chosen to participate. As of January 10^th the band has succeeded in raising more than $39, 000 with promises of more to come.

Several businesses in the area are donating funds and tax deductible donations are being accepted from corporations and individuals alike. A benefit concert is scheduled for Sunday, January 11^th at the Petal Civic Center. Papa John's Pizza in Petal, Hattiesburg and Oak Grove and the Chili's Restaurants in Petal and Hattiesburg will be donating a percentage of sales to the band to help raise money. Band members have been going door to door selling cookie dough and taking donations. A huge crowd turned out at Penn's restaurant in Petal this week raised a total of $2833 to add to their funds. A silent auction and donations from Mayor's of most Mississippi towns will hopefully help them reach their goal in time.

Petal's marching band has won numerous regional and national awards for their performances. The band marched in the 2008 Thanksgiving Day parade in Philadelphia, PA and has competed across the southern states. Members of the band are exhausted from their busy schedule but are also wildly excited at the prospect of marching down Philadelphia Avenue on January 20^th. There have been few grumblings about the bands proposed participation in the inaugural parade from this Republican city. The majority of the citizens seem to understand that this is an incredible opportunity for the students.

Students at the high school are wondering if the band will be able to raise enough money for the trip. Sophomore Jenna White thinks this is a wonderful chance for all of the band members to see history in the making, but she is worried that the band will burn out with all of their trips and fund raising. She, and others, hope that the band is able to perform up to their usual standards at the inaugural parade. Many students raise doubts that the money will be available in this time of financial crisis for the state. Despite these doubts, the band members are holding out hope and having faith that their hard work will pay off. To make a tax deductible donation tot he Petal Band, visit the Petal School District website or contact directors@petalbands.com.