Delmarvacade of Bands returns

SALISBURY, Md. — It’s lights, music, and marching this weekend at Wicomico County Stadium for the Delmarvacade of Bands, where high school musicians from across Delmarva will take the field to show off their skills and compete for a spot at the state championships.

High school bands have performed at the annual showcase and competition since the event’s inception in 1977. This year, the event is hosted by the Parkside Band Boosters, and some proceeds will fund Parkside High School’s marching band.

“It’s not every day that we get to host a competition here, especially one of this scale, with this being regional. It’s really neat to see what big things are happening here, and it’s an important step to get to states at the end of the year,” Parkside Band Director Jon Adams said.

The showcase also serves as the Maryland Marching Band Association’s Eastern Regional Competition. Wicomico, Parkside, and Bennett high schools will vie for Eastern Region honors and their seeding for the state championships, which take place Nov. 1.

“I’ve been going there [Delmarvacade] for about 10 years now because I had two older sisters in the [Parkside] band. So, it’s been sort of a tradition for me,” Parkside band student Olivia Folke said.

Adams said his students are excited to show off their hard work for friends and family.

“Well, a lot of them get to have family show up to Delmarvacade who don’t get to come to other shows. I think they’re very excited to perform at home in front of their friends and family. I think that’s the number one thing,” Adams said.

“It’s a local competition, so that’s always fun. More people always come out, and you get to see a lot of the community,” Parkside band student Lilea Taylor said.

The event will kick off at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25.

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children and students. Gates will open at Wicomico County Stadium at 3 p.m.