By Chris Bavender
Food, fun, music and a chance to drive off in a new car are all part of the Carmel High School Marching Band’s third annual Community Night: Taste of the Trucks on Sept. 27.
In previous years, the money raised at the event has gone toward operational costs of the band, but this year it has a dual purpose – to help send the 250 band members to the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Years Day in Pasadena, Calif.
“Last year the group won the national championship and received an invitation that night for the Rose Parade,” said Timothy Dawson, band booster president. “So we are doing essentially in 12 or 13 months what most bands have 18 months to do – raise funds for the trip. To make that happen within a year is a challenge but one we are happy about and one we are up for.”
The event will feature 18 food trucks including Bub’s Burgers, Scratch and Carmel’s newest food truck – SoHo to Go. Music by a local DJ and the parent pep band also are part of the evening’s festivities. The Marching Greyhounds also will perform this year’s program, “Totem.”
A drawing for a car from Dreyer & Reinbold BMW & Mini also will take place. Raffle tickets – if still available the evening of the event – will cost $100. All proceeds will go toward the trip.
Dawson said the event raised more than $12,000 last year. This year’s goal is more than $15,000.
“(The Taste of Trucks event) is not only a fun evening of great food and entertainment but a way for us to say thank you to the Carmel community for their support of our group,” said Chris Kreke, associate director of bands and director of the CHS marching band. “We could not even dream of taking a group of 250 students on a trip of this magnitude without the financial support of our fans and community members. We are dependent on their generosity in order to make our student’s ‘dreams come true.’”
Taste of the Trucks
When: 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 27
Cost: $5; children 6 and younger admitted free
Note: A band will perform at 8 p.m.
More information: www.carmelbands.org.
