The 90th Ephrata Fair parade will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 24. For the past 30 years, the Manheim Township marching band has participated and played a variety of well known and loved pep tunes. This year, the band will march to the tune of “Twist and Shout” by the Beatles, written by John Higgins.
“The song is especially popular because it was famously featured in the parade scene of the 1980s classic Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” said band director Mr. Siegel. “For many adults in the crowd, hearing it brings back memories and adds to the excitement of the event.”
Participants include other high school band units such as Ephrata High School, performance groups like Encore Dance Studio and various floats. These entries are able to compete for cash prizes ranging from $50-$300 for bands, $50-$100 for performance groups and $100-$250 for floats. For the past two years, MTMB has taken home the title of “Best Band” and marching band members are hopeful to continue this winning streak.
“The title of ‘Best Band’ brings the school a lot of pride,” said junior color guard member Maria Zeppos. “But it also allows us to enjoy ourselves while providing for the community in a way that reflects positively on the band.”
Of course, this is not the only thing that keeps smiles on their faces as they march the nearly three mile path.
“The parade is a time for all of us to be in suffering together and brings us together in our contempt for the parade,” said junior sideline percussion member Alex Othmer. “It’s stressful, but it’s fun to try something new since the pit doesn’t usually march.”
The parade begins at 7 p.m., kicking off with the Ephrata High School marching band at their high school and ending on Queen Street. The entire route including other information can be found at ephratafair.org.
Spectators are permitted to place chairs along the parade route after noon on the Sunday before the parade. Spectators may also purchase a bench seat on Lake Street that is located near the judge’s stand for $10. As for regulations on parking and traffic, parking on the street along the parade route is not allowed, but parking lots and streets surrounding the route are allowed. The streets along the parade route will be closed prior to the event. Arriving early is highly recommended for seating and parking.
