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The North Iowa Band Festival Committee has selected the theme for the annual festival scheduled for Memorial Day weekend May 25-29, 2017. “Music. Family. Fun!” was chosen to celebrate the festival’s 79th year.
Grand Marshal Award –Henkel Construction Company 
Customarily, the Grand Marshal Award recognizes a person of local or national prominence who has made a significant contribution to the success of the festival, or the North Iowa region. This year, the North Iowa Band Festival Committee voted to recognize the contributions of an entire group of longtime supporters by presenting the award to the employees of Henkel Construction Company.
Founded in 1892 by William F. Henkel, Henkel Construction Company has been a member of the Mason City Chamber of Commerce since 1944. In 1986, the company renovated the former Carnegie Library building in Downtown Mason City and established its corporate offices in the historic site. Located on the Band Festival parade route, Henkel employees and their families have a front row seat for enjoying the annual parade.
Community spirit is an important part of the company’s culture. In addition to assisting with Band Festival preparations each year, Henkel employees are active volunteers in United Way activities, participate in Habitat for Humanity builds, and have supported the River City Sculptures on Parade program since its inception. Henkel officials are planning several events in celebration of the firm’s 125th anniversary.
Their community spirit exemplifies life in North Iowa. Congratulations to the employees of Henkel Construction/Accord Architecture for receiving this honor in celebration of the 79th North Iowa Band Festival.
Klempnauer Award –Bob Berggren 
The Klempnauer Award was named for Dan Klempnauer, a long-time volunteer and festival supporter, and is intended to honor an unsung hero who volunteers for the festival in a behind–the-scenes role. This year’s honoree is Bob Berggren, who has worked for the City of Mason City for 28 years.
Berggren has served 15 years on the North Iowa Band Festival Committee as a liaison for the City of Mason City. Berggren’s departments are responsible for repairing, maintaining, and updating the roadways and parks throughout Mason City. This crew, headed by Berggren, works as event support during Band Festival weekend. They are responsible for ensuring street closures are clearly marked, keeping the parade route and downtown tidy, and providing electrical service to the festivities downtown, along with countless other items. These tasks are crucial to keeping Band Festival running smoothly, and it takes a true leader to organize such a large team.
Berggren’s contributions to Band Festival extend far beyond what is expected of his position. His vast knowledge, broad range of skills, and upstanding character are admirable. He spends countless hours assuring everything is in place for the event and is “on call” throughout the weekend for last minute requests – and he does it all with a smile!
Berggren is humbled by the honor of receiving the Klempnauer Award and gives many thanks to the North Iowa Band Festival community.
Band Master Award -David Rutt
The Band Master Award was first awarded in 1990 to honor a retiring band master in recognition of outstanding work in the field of music with area youth. This year, the North Iowa Band Festival honors Mr. David Rutt for a successful 35-year career teaching instrumental music (24 of those years with Forest City High School).
During his time at Forest City High School (FCHS), Rutt led his young musicians to much acclaim. The FCHS Marching Band received numerous Division 1 (Superior) ratings at state competitions and set the school record of 33 consecutive Division 1 ratings. The Marching Band also placed first or second in most parade competitions. The FCHS Concert Band received Division 1 ratings in 22 of Rutt’s 24 years with the district. Rutt always held his students to a high standard of excellence, and it has surely shown through their success.
Rutt currently serves as the Exhibits Chair for the Iowa Music Educators State Conference. He has been involved with the Iowa All-State Music Festival for a decade, serving the past six years as Chairperson of the Iowa All-State Band. He has also served on the Executive Board of the Iowa High School Music Association. Rutt is an active adjudicator for marching, solo/small ensemble, and concert band contests in Iowa, Minnesota, and Illinois.
Rutt’s passion for music has taken him across the world. In his spare time, he works as a tour manager, traveling with bands, choirs, and orchestras throughout the United States. Congratulations to David Rutt, this year’s Band Master Award recipient!
Visit www.nibandfest.com frequently for updated information including major sponsors, parade forms, and the full entertainment schedule.
