Hartman: Thanks for the countless hours that ensure many more successful Tri-State Band Festivals

To the Editor:
The Tri-State Band Festival Committee would like to salute the Luverne community for the overwhelming support and participation in the 66h Annual Tri-State Band Festival.
This event would not happen without the involvement, commitment and energy of businesses, organizations and individuals in the tri-state region.
We would like to specifically acknowledge the tremendous contribution of:
•The city of Luverne and the public works department for the assistance, coordination and operation of the Band Festival Parade competition;
•Superintendent Craig Oftedahl and the staff of Luverne Public Schools (particularly Todd Mann and the custodians) for their work in hosting and arrangements for the field competition;
•Businesses, organizations and institutions for their financial support of this event through button sales and advertising in the official Tri-State Band Festival booklet;
•The over 200 community volunteers who help out this day;
•Minnesota National Guard — Luverne for their assistance in providing safety, security and organization for the bands on the parade route;
•Director Richard Owen, Luverne High School and Luverne Middle School bands in hosting the 2016 competition;
The greatest accolades belong to the directors and members of the 20 competitive bands and two host bands who participated in the festival. These individuals have spent countless hours in practice to prepare for this festival, and it showed
“Mother Nature” challenged us this year with the wind, rain and lightning during the field competition. With that, a special note of thanks must go out to all who were involved in moving the field performances of four bands to the Cardinal Gym. The bands, directors, fans and school custodial staff were all incredibly accommodating as we transitioned (in a relatively short time) to a safe place to wrap up the event. As the saying goes, “when life hands you lemons, make lemonade.”
On a personal level, I would like to applaud the members of the Band Festival Committee and Staff who have spent the entire year working with me to put together and operate this tremendous community event. It has been an honor for me to serve as your chairperson.
Our community has a 66-year tradition in the operation of this festival. In order to maintain that reputation, it requires the hard work and dedication of everyone. Be proud of what this community has created!
As planning begins for next year’s event, may that sense of community and partnership be the springboard for a great 2017 Tri-State Band Festival on Saturday, Sept. 30 – 67 years strong!
Eric Hartman
Chairman
Tri-State Band Festival Committee