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BUCKHANNON --The Elkins High School marching band is one of four award-winning West Virginia bands invited to appear in the Parade of Nations during the WAMSB 2023 World Championship in July.
The WAMSB 2023 Competition will take place in Buckhannon from July 17-24. This is only the second time in the event's 26-year history that it has been held in the United States. The event will bring in thousands of international participants.
WAMSB officials said the Parade of Nations will have the most international representation of any parade in the United States this year.
Along with Elkins, the Greenbrier East High School Marching Band, the Tyler-Consolidated High School Band and the East Fairmont High School Marching Band are all scheduled to appear in the international parade, beginning at noon on July 22 in Buckhannon.
In addition to appearing in the Parade of Nations, the East Fairmont band will perform at the WAMSB 2023 Opening Ceremonies at 7 p.m. July 19.
"The parade will be the finest ever staged in the Mountain State," Sandra Bennett, WAMSB 2023 Parade of Nations director, said. "Right now, we have tentative bands in the line-up from Africa, Ireland, Switzerland, Sweden, Taiwan, Honk Kong, Canada, Guatemala, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Germany, Poland, Honduras, Colombia, Venezuela, Ghana, the Czech Republic, Nigeria and the United States."
Bands from Ohio, Wisconsin and California will also participate. Bennett said international bands' attendance is contingent upon securing visas and passports. The parade lineup may increase as additional countries agree to participate.
Floats created by businesses and organizations will be featured in the parade. Shrine units, novelty units, drill teams, robots, fire-eaters, jugglers, stilt walkers, giant balloon characters, high-value replica Indy cars and more will be featured in the one-of-a-kind parade.
Officials said the event will provide short-term economic impacts to the state and serve as an opportunity to foster long-term economic development and recurring tour i,and provide an opportunity for elected officials, colleges and more to develop relationships with international dignitaries.
For information on the WAMSB World Championship activities, visit wamsb2023.com.