Leading Saturday’s parade for the 66th annual Tri-State Band Festival will be a former Luverne couple who has been instrumental in keeping the local event going for more than five decades.
Tom and Lola Haugen will preside over the bands from Minnesota, South Dakota and Iowa descending on Luverne for the morning parade and afternoon field competitions.
The honor is one of many that the Haugens have received during their time as teachers and mentors.
Luverne will likely be their last parade gig as the couple moves into full retirement, according to Lola.
“We've been asked to be in other parades,” she explained as those offers were turned down. “Luverne is special.”
Tom Haugen was head of the Luverne High School band program from 1965-1971 before leaving and teaching instrumental music in eight other school districts.
In 1982, while still teaching, the couple began Tri-State Band Judges, where they provided specialized teams of judging professions for competitions like the Tri-State Band Festival. While Tom has also served as a judge, Lola was the adviser, scheduler and coordinator for the business while she taught elementary school.
The couple sold the judging business last year as part of their decision to fully retire.
Saturday’s band festival will be the first time in more than 50 years that the Haugens won’t have a hand in organizing the event.
They are, however, well prepared for the responsibilities as parade marshals.
“It’s a very simple gig,” Lola said by phone on Monday. “There is not much to do — smile and wave — and we will get good seats for the parade.”
Participating bands from Minnesota are Adrian, Murray County Central, Pipestone Area, Stewartville and Worthington; from Iowa Boyden-Hull, George-Little Rock, Sibley-Ocheyedan and West Lyon; from South Dakota Brandon Valley, Garretson, Lennox, Madison, O’Gorman, Sioux Falls Roosevelt High School, Tea, West Central High School and Yankton.
The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. with the field competition beginning at 12:30 p.m. at the Cardinal Football Field of Luverne Public Schools, 709 North Kniss Avenue (Highway 75).
Admission to the field competition is with a Tri-State Band Festival button available for $5 during the parade or at the gate.
Programs featuring participating bands of the 66th Annual Tri-State Band Festival will also be on sale for $5.
The Luverne Middle School and High School bands will host the event.
Contact the Luverne Chamber at luvernechamber@co.rock.mn.us or call 507-283-4061.