By Sue Moore
When the “Big Red Machine” semi-trailer rolls into a band competition, its going to be impressive, said Craig Rolfe, one of the Band Booster members who helped secure funds to purchase the trailer.
It’s meant to haul all of the band equipment in one big load rather than the three smaller trailers that accompanied the marching band at competitions. There will be room enough for instrument and uniform storage throughout the marching season for the band. The trailer represents the first band program north of Kentucky to purchase this state-of-the-art piece of equipment. Clubhouse Trailers, an Oklahoma company, put this together for the band. The trailer will be on display wherever the band travels and is practicing. The Band Boosters are working on possibilities for hauling the trailer.
The total cost is $100,000 minus a few pennies, with half of it paid thus far and the rest to be raised throughout the school year. A spring raffle is being held as a fundraiser with the top prizes $2,500, $1,000 and $500 in cash. Raffle tickets are available from any band parent, the high school office or Rolfe’s office at 328 W. Prairie Street in Vicksburg. The drawing will take place at the band’s spring concert on Tuesday, May 28.
The trailer makes a huge statement about the success of the band program in Vicksburg, Rolfe said. “It shows the community support of the band which boasts nearly 200 members each year. We need lots of folks to help raise the money to complete the purchase.”