Fresno Famous

Junior High and High School Bands will compete at The Big Fresno Fair for cash prizes     

 The 1st Annual Big Band Review will take place opening day of The Big Fresno Fair on Wednesday, October 5th.  Junior High and High School Marching Bands throughout the State of California are invited to compete for cash prizes at this Northern California Band Association sanctioned event. Categories include Parade, Auxiliary, Drum Major and Percussion. The Big Band Review competition will begin at 3:00 p.m. and the awards will be announced at

7:00 p.m.

There will be a total of $12,500 in prize money given out to bands competing in the Big Band Review. The High School Sweepstakes Band winner will receive $2,000 in prize money and the Junior High School Sweepstakes Band winner will receive $1,500. Every other band that competes will receive $500.

“Over the years, The Big Fresno Fair has made great strides to be a strong educational partner to the community and is extremely proud to support local students and educational programs,” says John C. Alkire, CEO, The Big Fresno Fair. “This competition, which reaches both locally and state-wide, allows school band programs to come out and show off their hard work while being rewarded with cash prizes. We anticipate that this event will become a tradition that bands, their families and friends look forward to every year.”

Applications will be accepted starting June 1, 2011. Deadline for entries to be received is September 30, 2011. However, only the first 20 marching bands will be accepted so bands interested in competing should apply as soon as possible. There is a $100 entry fee for the competition. An informational video and packet including competition details, a map of the competition area and an entry form can be found at http://www.fresnofair.com/big-band-review. Entries can be faxed to (559) 650-3226 or mailed to: Attn: Big Band Review, The Big Fresno Fair, 1121 S. Chance Ave., Fresno, CA 93702.

The Big Fresno Fair, founded in 1884, is the fifth largest fair in the State of California and represents the 21st District Agricultural Association. The Big Fresno Fair is the largest annual event in the Central Valley. Members of the Board of Directors include: Tim Bakman, President; William White, Vice President; Debbie Jacobsen, Secretary Treasurer; Ron Barsamian; Ardie Der Manouel; Elizabeth Hudson; Larry Serpa; Wangyee Vang; and A.J. Yates. John C. Alkire heads daily operations in his role as Chief Executive Officer. Additional information about The Big Fresno Fair can be found at www.FresnoFair.com.