Musicians needed for Afton’s Fourth of July parade

Mary Divine, Pioneer Press
·1 min read

After a two-year hiatus caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Afton’s Fourth of July parade and celebration will be back this summer — and so will the town’s volunteer band.

Musicians of all ages and skill levels are invited to join the Afton Schooner Band, which will play “John Philip Sousa-type marches” while riding on a decorated float, said band organizer Lucy McAllister.

“The Schooner Band has performed in all of Afton’s 47 parades in this modern era since it was organized for the Bicentennial (in 1976),” McAllister said. “The longevity of the band is marked by the continued participation — in some cases for many years — after each musician’s initial parade because it’s so much fun.”

Rehearsals will be from 7 to 8 p.m. July 1-3 at the Afton Historical Museum. Participants should bring a music stand.

The band will gather at 11:30 a.m. July 4 for a short rehearsal and to decorate the band’s float; the parade starts at 1 p.m.

For more information or to get music to practice in advance, contact McAllister at lucymcallister5@gmail.com or leave a message at 651-436-5150.

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