History
Seven different bands have earned the title of Grand Champion: Long Prairie (1985); Henry Sibley (1986); Litchfield (1987-1990, 1998); Irondale (1991-1996); Park Center (1997, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012); Mankato Lancers (2000, 2002, 2010); and Waconia (2004-2006, 2009). Since 1989 the festival has presented traveling flags to the Grand Champion and Class Champion bands. A band can retire a flag in its honor by winning the title three consecutive years. Two bands have retired Grand Champion flags: Irondale (1993, 1996) and Waconia (2006). Seven bands have retired Class Champion flags: Bertha-Hewitt (1991, 1997), Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg (2011), Litchfield (1991, 1994, 1997, 2000), Long Prairie (1995, 1998), Park Center (1999), Sauk Rapids-Rice (2009) and Winona Cotter (1994, 2006, 2009).
Participants and spectators have developed traditions surrounding the event, such as intense last-minute rehearsals, potluck meals along the parade route, and a spirited awards ceremony.
The event has inspired other communities across the state to start similar parade competitions.
Read more about this topic: Vikingland Band Festival
Famous quotes containing the word history:
“It is the true office of history to represent the events themselves, together with the counsels, and to leave the observations and conclusions thereupon to the liberty and faculty of every man’s judgement.”
—Francis Bacon (1561–1626)
“The principal office of history I take to be this: to prevent virtuous actions from being forgotten, and that evil words and deeds should fear an infamous reputation with posterity.”
—Tacitus (c. 55–c. 120)
“The history of all countries shows that the working class exclusively by its own effort is able to develop only trade-union consciousness.”
—Vladimir Ilyich Lenin (1870–1924)