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Entertainment for the 82nd annual North Iowa Band Festival will include a variety of musical genres.
Entertainment
In the spirit of celebrating local musicians, the Mason City Municipal Band will kick off the weekend with a performance on Thursday night.
On Friday, the Mason City High School Orchestra will perform at 5PM on the Plaza. The talented Mason City High School Jazz Band concert is scheduled at 6PM on the Main Stage, followed by the highly energetic headliner, High & Mighty.
Saturday’s entertainment begins with the parade at 10AM. Due to COVID-19 precautions and to ensure the safety of festival-goers, the distribution of candy, flyers, and trinkets is prohibited at this year’s parade. However, children can pick up bags of candy at the Instrument Petting Zoo in Central Park. The state champion Mohawks Danzers will perform at 1:30PM in front of the Main Stage prior to the Awards Ceremony at 2PM. Saturday evening’s Main Stage performances will feature acoustic singer-songwriter favorite, Brad + Kate and variety headliner, The Hepperly Band.
Parade Entry Deadline
It’s not too late to enter the parade, but applications received after May 10 are subject to a $25 late fee. Entries will compete for Grand Marshal honors—reflecting best use of the festival theme “Banding Together and Marching Forward” or for the Mr. Toot award which honors the best use of any theme.
COVID-19 Vaccinations Encouraged
Festival-goers who receive their COVID-19 vaccination this week will be fully vaccinated by the time of the festival. According to the CG Public Health officials, ample doses of the vaccine are available at distribution points throughout Cerro Gordo County and North Iowa.
Carnival, Concessions, Marketplace
Festival activities, which also include a carnival, concessions, and marketplace, will take place throughout Memorial Day in downtown Mason City. Thanks to the support from major sponsors and the Friends of the Festival campaign, this event provides a full weekend of entertainment for the North Iowa community free of charge. More information is available at www.nibandfest.com. The website is updated frequently with updated information including volunteer opportunities, sponsors, parade details, and the full entertainment schedule.
