The National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C. is organizing for this year’s parade and is seeking high school bands to participate.

Rep. Bill Owens is accepting nominations for up to five high school marching bands from New York’s 23rd Congressional District to be in the parade.

“A trip to our nation's capital is a great learning experience for our high schools, and I am pleased to see our students have the opportunity to honor our community with their performances on the 4th of July,” Owens said. “From the 10th Mountain Division Band to SUNY Potsdam's Crane School, our area is rich in musical talent and I am looking forward to seeing the area represented in Washington on Independence Day.”

The National Independence Day Parade takes place annually on July 4th in Washington, D.C. before an audience of hundreds of thousands of spectators. The parade consists of invited bands, fife and drum corps, floats, military units, drill teams, national dignitaries, and celebrity participants.

Nominations do not guarantee a placement in the parade, but does guarantee them an application packet and full review by the National Parade Committee. Participating bands are invited based on recommendations from state and local leaders.

Participating bands that are selected for the parade are responsible for their own travel and lodging costs.

Owens asks that interested high schools submit a letter detailing their band’s accomplishments and why they should be chosen to Caitlin Donovan in the Congressman’s Watertown office by March 15.

Send letters to:

Nominations: Congressman Bill Owens

c/o Caitlin Donovan

120 Washington St.

Suite 200

Watertown, NY 13601

For more info, call 782-3150.