– Mary Garrison/Tribune-Courier || Torrential rain didn't stop spectators from turning out to catch Starfest on Saturday.

A Soggy Starfest

Marching Marshals
off to a good
start in season

By Mary Garrison
Tribune-Courier Features Editor
mgarrison@tribunecourier.com


DRAFFENVILLE – Pouring rain didn’t stop loyal parents and fans from turning out in force for this year’s Starfest marching band competition hosted by the Marshall County High School Marching Marshals on Saturday.

Despite a slight rain delay after intermission, the competition resumed without a hitch, hosting bands from Murray, Lone Oak, Mayfield, Reidland, Madisonville, Caldwell County and Ballard Memorial in heated competition.

After all was said and done, the Murray High Tigers and Madisonville Maroons each earned a distinguished rating.

However, Madisonville, the only 4A band in competition, walked away with Grand Champion honors for the evening.

Starfest has become a Marching Marshal tradition over the years, and perhaps one of the highlights of the evening comes after competing bands have ended their run, and the Marshals take the field in exhibition.

This year was no different, and the Marshals had the opportunity to strut their stuff on the home turf with the 2009 “Modulation of Color” show.

It wasn’t the first time the Marshals got the chance to show off a little, though.

The band has gotten off to a good start this season, as well. Last week, the Marshals competed at Murray State University’s Festival of Champions against 13 bands from all over the region. The band took first place, Grand Champion for the first time.

“We’ve been doing pretty well there in the last few years,” said assistant director of bands Ronnie Payton. “Last year we placed third, and the year before we placed second.”

The Marshals don’t intend to stop there, though. This year’s marching season lasts through Nov. 1, culminating in state competition.

A complete schedule of Marching Marshals competion can be found online at www.mchsbands.com.

The Marshals also perform at half-time during home football games on Friday evenings.

The Marshals will appear on the field in competition next on Saturday, Oct. 3 at Larue County.