The Vikingland Band Festival parade marching championship is held annually in Alexandria, Minnesota on the last Sunday of June. The event was founded in 1985 and is widely regarded as the midwest's biggest and most prestigious summer marching band competition.
The parade features only marching bands. It does not include floats or other units commonly associated with parades. Bands march at a three-block interval to prevent their music from blending together. Alexandria's extra-wide main street provides an outstanding venue for the performances.
A panel of six judges provides taped feedback and scores for each band. Placement awards are presented to every band, with the top band in each class earning the distinction of Class Champion. The overall high scoring band of the day is named the Grand Champion. Each champion band is awarded a traveling flag to carry for one year. If a band wins its champion title for three consecutive years, the band earns the right to keep the flag. Caption awards are presented for the top wind section, percussion section and color guard in each class.
One band is named the "People's Choice" by a panel of non-professional judges.
Read more about Vikingland Band Festival: Participants, History
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