Editor:

With summer rapidly winding-down in Western New York, the Kiwanis Club of Springville would like to thank supporters of the Springville Pageant of Bands – the event that helped get the summer season underway in Springville. Even though the day started with a 100 percent probability of rain, the 47th Annual Springville Griffith Institute-Kiwanis Pageant of Bands marched to the finish largely unscathed by the weather.

The Kiwanis Club of Springville thanks all individuals, businesses and other organizations that helped support the 47th Annual Pageant. This year’s Pageant included jazz ensemble, concert band, color guard, percussion and parade competitions. Trophies for first, second and third place were awarded for each competition category, further subdivided by school size and grade. This year, 56 awards were presented at the ceremony held at the high school after the parade.

The Kiwanis Club has partnered with the Springville Griffith Institute over the past 47 years to help bring to Springville one of New York state’s longest running band pageants. This would not happen without the generous support of this community. Year after year this Pageant continues to offer students the opportunity to visit our community and interact with students from other schools while listening to and enjoying each other’s musical talent. The combined efforts of the G.I. Music Department with Bill Cocca at the baton, the G.I. High School students who help coordinate much of the event, service organizations such as Kiwanis and financial sponsors from the community have allowed this community musical event to continue for close to 50 years.

Our sincere appreciation goes out to this year’s trophy sponsors: McDonald’s of Springville, Tops Markets - Springville, Springville Manufacturing Company, Haddad Agency, Springville Animal Hospital, Landscaping and Excavating by Miller’s, Slippy’s Collision, Wendel’s Poultry Farm, Julie’s Pizzeria and Restaurant, Springville Hardware and Homewear, West Valley Environmental Services.

Also, Springville Pediatrics, Russell Veterinary Associates, Carpet World of Springville, Rico’s Trophies, The Joylan Theatre, Amy E. Schmitt-Kingston, D.D.S, Johnson Family of Dealerships, Metro Kirsch Real Estate, Jennie B. Richmond Chaffee Nursing Home, Downtown Main St. Pizzeria and Café, Tim’s Auto Repair, Bill Gugino Builders and Scott G. Nachbar, DVM. We thank these sponsors for their generosity.

The following area organizations, businesses and individuals also provided support: Emerling Ford-Mercury and Slippy’s Collision provided the vehicles for the parade judging platform. Johnson Family Dealerships, Ken Kittle, Jack White of White’s Appliance and Suzanne Manchester, a past Pageant queen residing in Springville, provided the cars used in transporting pageant dignitaries and band queens during the parade. The American Legion Concord Post 431 led the parade with their Color Guard unit and the American flag. The Springville police and fire departments provided support during the entire event.

Supported by the G.I. Music Department, the Kiwanis Club of Springville and a broad base of community sponsors, the Springville Pageant of Bands continues as a fine musical tradition of our community.

Mark May 21-22, 2010 on your calendar – these are the dates of the 48th Annual Pageant of Bands.

Mike Pendl

Kiwanis Club of Springville

Co-chairman Kiwanis Pageant of Bands committee