Buckhannon — Parade lovers, mark your calendars.
At noon July 22, Buckhannon will host the world’s best.
It’s the WAMSB (World Association of Marching Show Bands) Grand Feature Parade of Nations, which organizers promise to be “the most outstanding parade ever staged in the Mountain State.”
Aside from the high-stepping marching band from around the World, the WAMSB Grand Feature Parade of Nations will showcase a variety of specialty units, novelty units, drill teams and more from throughout the United States. These groups, along with shrine units, dignitaries, colorful floats, giant balloons, stilt walkers, jugglers, fire eaters, clowns and more will contribute to the formation of a parade organizers have said will be second to none in West Virginia’s history.
The Mountaineer Challenge Academy South Drill Team from Montgomery will make its inaugural appearance to Buckhannon. The 80-member unit marches with uniformed precision and is busy preparing for this special WAMSB parade.
Also making the trek to Buckhannon for the Parade of Nations will be the Marching Elites Drill Team from Norfolk, Va. This drill team is comprised of elementary to high school students and numbers 50 in membership. The team’s talent has enabled it to make several mational television appearances along with many parades.
Traveling from the Villages, Fla., is The Villages Segway Drill Team. The 26-member team will maneuver in a variety of intricate patterns and formations throughout the 2.5-mile parade route.
Still another entertaining unit for the Parade of Nations will be the St. Helens Unicycle Drill Team from Newbury, Ohio. The unit was organized in the 1960s by founder, James Moran. The unicyclists are constantly being taught new and unique skills. This unicycle drill team has appeared in Nationally
recognized events and parades.
Furthermore, the marching drills and skills of the Nicholas County High School JROTC Drill Team, of Summersville, will entertain parade goers of all ages. Marching approximately 50 members, this group will also be participating in flag raisings of the WAMSB Opening and Closing Ceremonies during Competition Week.
The nationally acclaimed South Shore Drill Team from Chicago will also appear at the Parade of Nations. The rifle tossing, flag waving drill unit of 60 members delight crowds at the more than 100 annual performances in which it appears.
“These are just a few of the outstanding units slated for this Grand Feature Parade of Nations,” said Parade Director Sandra Bennett. “Aside from the giant balloons being shipped from California, spectators can enjoy, cloggers, the Philadelphia Mummers Band, the Indy 500 Race Car Replicas, Latin and Bolivian Dance Troupes, the WV Highlanders Bagpipe Band as well as specialty units from Chile and Mexico.”
Bennett said folks aren’t likely to see another parade like this one soon — or, perhaps, ever.
“This is a parade you won’t want to miss,” she said. “There will be parade goers traveling to Buckhannon from throughout West Virginia, the United States and the World. This is a one time, one-of-a-kind parade for Buckhannon, Upshur County and the State of West Virginia.”
Spectators will want to arrive early to Buckhannon on July 22 to secure their favorite spots to watch the procession. All visitors should keep in mind the noon parade kick-off time.
“Of course, the highlight will be the parade performances of bands from the USA, Canada, Sweden, Chile, Honduras, El Salvador, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, Poland, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Ghana to name a few.” Bennett said.
For additional information, visit wamsb2023.com
