CULLMAN, Ala. – With COVID-19 restrictions still in place, and marching bands having to adjust their attendance when traveling, the fate of the always popular Cullman County Band Exhibition was up in the air. No more, however, as the Cullman High School band program released its plan for the 37th annual exhibition Friday. Traditionally held the evening of the Cullman County Fair Parade, this year’s exhibition will be held the following weekend on Saturday, Oct. 10 at Oliver Woodard Stadium.
This year the exhibition will be split into two separate events. The first will begin at 5 p.m. with Vinemont, Good Hope, West Point and Fairview bands performing their 2020 halftime shows.
The second will begin at 7:30 p.m. with Cold Springs, Holly Pond, Hanceville and Cullman bands. The Cullman Middle School Band will not perform at this year’s exhibition.
Cullman Assistant Director of Bands Doug Teuscher said several scenarios were considered and this was the best option in keeping with COVID-19 protocols.
Said Teuscher, “There just wasn’t a way to socially distance 550 band students plus the spectators.”
The plan is to clear the stadium and sanitize the stands between the two events. Admission for each event is $5. That means if someone attends the 5 p.m. event and wants to re-enter the stadium for the 7:30 p.m. event, it will be an additional $5. Students performing will not have to pay.
The Cullman Tribune will livestream all performances.
Mud Creek Marching Festival
Hanceville’s Mud Creek Marching Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24. In a year where most marching competitions have been canceled, Hanceville Band Booster President Bart Absher said he feels they can safely adapt to the new rules.
Absher said, “We will have a section designated for each band and we are limiting the competition to 20 bands this year.” Traditionally, awards for all classifications are announced at the end of all performances. This year, awards will be given after each classification to help reduce the number of bands in the stadium. The stands will also be cleared and sanitized after each awards presentation.
As of Wednesday, 15 bands had already registered for the Mud Creek Marching Festival. Check www.facebook.com/mudcreekmarching for updates.
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