Prattville, Ala. – The Pride of Prattville Marching Band is preparing to march in Philadelphia as part of the nation’s 250th‑birthday celebrations, according to a report from WAKA.
The group staged a rehearsal parade on campus, marching from the band field to the front parking lot multiple times to mimic the 2½‑mile route they will follow in the city. Cheerleaders, parents and spectators lined the route to encourage the students.
WAKA noted that the band is the sole Alabama ensemble chosen for the 250th Salute to Independence Parade scheduled for Friday, July 3, and will follow Miss Alabama and the Azalea Trail Maids from Mobile, making three consecutive state representatives.
The traveling party will consist of 88 musicians, 15 parents and four staff members, with departure planned for about 4 a.m. the following morning.
The parade will be broadcast on C‑SPAN, listing the band as the 40th participant. After the July 3 event, the group will perform again in a second Philadelphia parade on July 4 before touring Washington, D.C., and returning to Alabama on Wednesday, July 8.
For more information, visit waka.com.