MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — The Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band from South Dakota State University is headed to the Windy City this fall, selected to perform in the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade.
More than 300 band members will travel Nov. 23–27, with the parade stepping off at 8 a.m. on Nov. 26. Director of athletic bands Kevin Kessler said the opportunity places SDSU on a national stage.
“It’s one of the largest Thanksgiving parades in the country… an estimated 400,000 people on the street will watch it,” Kessler said.
Planning for the multi-day trip is already underway, including coordinating travel, rehearsals and logistics for hundreds of students. The band will perform SDSU’s fight song, “Ring the Bell,” along with additional selections to be finalized this summer.
The appearance continues a long tradition of national performances for The Pride, which has previously marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Rose Parades and presidential inaugurations.
While in Chicago, students will also visit major attractions including Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Shedd Aquarium and Millennium Park.
Kessler said the trip offers more than performance experience.
“This gives them a different worldview and an experience they may not have been given had they not been in band,” he said.