The annual VP Parade attracts high school bands from the region and awards $10,000.00 to the top five bands in the parade.

Contest bands are judged at two locations along the parade route by judges selected from the band staffs of several Midwestern Universities including Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, University of Missouri – St. Louis and Missouri State University – Springfield.

The first place band will receive $5,000. Additional cash awards are $3,000 for second place, $1,000 for third and $500 each for fourth and fifth. In addition, trophies are presented to the outstanding drum majors, outstanding percussion section and outstanding auxiliary.

Awards will be presented at the end of the parade at the “Meeting of the Waters” fountain located north of Union Station at 20th and Market Streets.

2011 PARTICIPANTS . . . 

High School Contest Bands:

·         Staunton High School Band, Staunton, IL

·         Normal West High School Band, Normal, IL

·         Alton High School Band, Alton, IL

·         Belleville East High School Band, Belleville, IL

·         O’Fallon Township High School Band, O’Fallon, IL.

      Participating/non-contest bands:

·         135^th U.S. Army Band, Springfield, MO

·         Harris-Stowe State University Band, St. Louis, MO

·         John Ford Highland Pipe Band, St. Louis, MO.