High school band entrants sought

Sens. John Hoeven, R-N.D., and Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., and Rep. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., have announced that the 2014 National Independence Day Parade is seeking applications from high school marching bands interested in representing the state of North Dakota in the annual Independence Day Parade. The delegation encourages North Dakota high school marching bands to apply through their congressional offices to participate in the annual parade held each July 4 in the nation’s capital in celebration of America’s birthday.

“The annual National Independence Day Parade is a rich tradition that brings together people from across the country to participate in a grand celebration of America’s birthday and heritage,” the delegation said in a joint statement. “We encourage North Dakota’s high school marching bands to apply to lend their talents to take part in this once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Marching bands selected to participate in the 2014 National Independence Day Parade will take part in an annual tradition held each July 4 in Washington, D.C. The parade, which is co-hosted by the National Park Service and produced by Diversified Events, marches along historic Constitution Avenue, draws large crowds from across the country and is comprised of invited bands, floats, military and specialty units and national dignitaries, among other special features. At the conclusion of the parade, participants join the audience at the annual Independence Day Concert held on the U.S. Capitol Lawn and broadcast on PBS.

Parade organizers seek to welcome at least one band from each state. North Dakota marching bands interested in applying to participate in the 2014 National Independence Day Parade should contact Hoeven’s Bismarck office at 701-250-4618 no later than April 10. Bands nominated by the delegation will work with parade coordinators to submit additional application materials such as video recordings and other relevant background information. The organization is responsible for making the final determination of which bands participate in the parade, and selected bands are responsible for furnishing all costs associated with the trip.

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