Globe Gazette
Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
Aptil 13, 2010

Music lovers don’t have much longer to wait:The 2010 North Iowa Band Festival is just around the corner — May 27-31, to be exact. It offers some traditional favorites — including the big parade and king and queen contests — mixed with some new — such as entertainment by Boogie and the YoYoz and Hitchville. It all adds up to great entertainment — all close to home.

This year’s theme is “Rockin’ River City.” The logo was crafted by Jim Zach, a graphic designer at North Iowa Area Community College.

On Friday, organizers announced the theme and grand marshal of the 72nd celebration of Band Fest. Bob Ray will be the grand marshal. Donna DePrenger will be recognized with the Klempnauer Award. Both are longtime Mason City residents. Ray and his wife, Mary Ann, have been a steady presence at Band Fest. Ray is host of the KCMR radio show “Big Band Saturday Night.” We even hear Ray is an old hand at building parade floats.

The Klempnauer Award, named for volunteer Dan Klempnauer, recognizes the efforts of those who work behind the scenes of the festival. DePrenger is a member of the Pick-a-Little Ladies group, which hosts the Queen’s Luncheon each year honoring former band queens. Ray and DePrenger personify the spirit that has made the Band Festival a North Iowa institution. The cheering crowds, the music by great bands from near and far, the memories — oh, and did we mention the fun? None of these would be possible without the selfless efforts of folks like DePrenger and Ray.

Of course, Band Festival wouldn’t be possible without the people and businesses that donate their time and treasure to make it happen.

This year’s sponsors include include Curries, First Citizens National Bank, Kraft Foods, Principal Financial Group Foundation, Diamond Jo Casino, Kaplan University, Kephart’s Music Center, ITC Transco, Midwest Construction, Alliant Energy, Corporate Farmer, NIACC and Clear Lake Bank & Trust.

Want to contribute to the effort? Donations can be sent to The North Iowa Band Festival, c/o Mason City Chamber of Commerce, 25 W. State St., Suite B, Mason City, IA 50401.

Would you like to learn more or perhaps even volunteer (volunteers also help make the festival go)? Then visit www.nibandfest.com.

It won’t be long until we strike up the bands. And, as always, what a great weekend it will be.

  Globe Gazette
Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
May 29, 2010

MASON CITY — Janessa Reding and Jake Loken were crowned North Iowa Band Festival Queen and King Saturday afternoon in East Park.

Janessa of Garner-Hayfield High School, is the daughter of Paul and Darla Reding of Garner. Jake , Northwood-Kensett High School, is the son of Rod and Sue Loken of Northwood. Jeff Arians, Clear Lake High School, Clear Lake received the Congeniality Award.

Park Center High School from Brooklyn Park, Minn., was awarded the Meredith Willson Award, which is presented to the marching band with the overall highest score.

As host schools, Mason City High School and Newman High School marching bands are not eligible to participate in the competition, and their royalty are not eligible to be crowned festival queen and king.

Congeniality Award — Jeff Arians, Clear Lake High School.

Meredith Willson Award — Park Center High School, Brooklyn Park, Minn. (presented to marching band with overall highest score).

Marching Band Awards:

Mr. Toot Award — Four Oaks of Iowa (presented to the entry with the most originality, artistic quality and well-crafted design).

Outstanding Musicians:
Winners of $500 scholarships provided by the Bertha Stebens Charitable Foundation; selected via application, musical achievement and essays: Abby Souhrada, North Butler High School; Amanda Willmert, North Iowa High School; Heidi Hain, Rockford Senior High School; Kelli Lair, Lake Mills High School; KC Lu, Clear Lake High School; Scott Lindborg, Park Center Senior High School.

 

Photographs courtesy of The Globe Gazette

Submission by Sharon R. Becker, September of 2018