A remarkable event will begin Sunday when the Albert Lea marching Tigers start down the parade route in downtown Albert Lea.

Friday, June 15, 2001

A remarkable event will begin Sunday when the Albert Lea marching Tigers start down the parade route in downtown Albert Lea. Ina space of two years, the Albert Lea Festival of Bands has gone from an idea to an annual institution expected to bring thousands of people to Freeborn County. The number of bands has doubled, and all indications are it will continue to command the interest of marching bands around the state.

If one of Albert Lea’s goals is to increase its visibility by attracting people from around the region for special events, the band festival – as well as the Eddie Cochran Weekend, for that matter – should be considered a big part of the community’s success.

The area can gain much from attracting people to town for events like the band festival. Every time somebody visits and likes what they see, Albert Lea’s name spreads to another corner of the state. People tell their friends and relatives about their trip, and suddenly Albert Lea is more than just a city you drive past on your way south.

In an age of increasing mobility and heated competition for people and resources among rural cities, this is the kind of thing that gives one community the edge over another.

It’s also a nice opportunity for the ALHS marching band to be recognized. Other bands in the area also participate, making it a showcase of some of the best young musical talent around.

The Festival of Bands is a welcome addition to Albert Lea’s growing list of annual events that have regional impact.

As long as the weather cooperates, this could be a breakout year for a fledgling festival.