Get flocked: Pink flamingos conquer Worthington yards for band fundraiser
Jun. 25—WORTHINGTON — A new invasive species has made its way to Worthington, and the magenta menace has only just begun to threaten local lawns and gardens with its tacky intrusion, which is all for a good cause — raising money for the Spirit of Worthington Marching Band's upcoming trip to San Diego, California.
Six flocks of plastic pink flamingos are on the prowl, each accompanied by a group of band students and adult volunteers who will sneak into an unsuspecting property owner's yard at night to plant them.
Sending the gaudy gathering to someone's else's yard costs $25.
Recipients of the foul fowl have three choices: spending $10 for pest control to have the grotesque gaggle removed the same day, spending $25 to send the flock to another yard at the end of the day, or doing nothing and allowing the flock to roost where they are for two days.
Those who wish to avoid the awkward avians may purchase flock insurance for $50, which will halt the flock from landing, though the donation will still go toward the band trip.
The flamingo flocks will flit within city limits between June 19 and July 14.
"They're beautiful birds," said Dylan Dykstra, a WHS senior who plays the saxophone and, as of Friday afternoon, had not yet inflicted the horrendous horde on unsuspecting property owners. "I'm gonna have such a blast... I can't wait."
While the exact cost of the trip per student has yet to be determined, it's likely to be around $1,500, according to Mike Thompson, WHS director of bands, and more than 100 students have signed up so far.
They will perform at the Holiday Bowl game and halftime show, the Battle of the Bands and the nationally-televised Port of San Diego Parade. They'll also get to visit the San Diego Zoo and stop at Sea World.
"It's going to be a really incredible trip for the kids, and I'm very excited for them to take part in that," Thompson said.
While the band has already done quite a bit of fundraising, including selling meat and pastry puffs, the idea behind the flamingo flocking fundraiser is to get the community involved too, Thompson said.
Each of the six horrible hosts is sponsored by a local business — Brown's Shoe Fit Co., Colonial Cabinets, The Daily Apple, Drealan Kvilhaug Hoefker Accounting, Harvey Signs and The Stag.
"I think people are going to get a kick out of the idea, and not care what they look like as much," said Cassie Schulz, a sophomore in the band's color guard. "I'm excited to run around in the middle of the night and put them in people's yards."
Flocking forms are available at the District Office and Brown's Shoe Fit. Anyone with questions can call Jen Schulz at (507) 370-0395.
