Marching Band Parade Competition
About the event
About the application
Join Us for the 2026 Mt. Vernon Fall Fest Parade Band Expo!
On behalf of the City of Mt. Vernon and Mt. Vernon Festivals, Inc., we are thrilled to invite you and your students to be part of the 2025 Mt. Vernon Fall Fest Parade!
✨ Mark your calendars:
Saturday, September 26, 2025
⏰ Parade step-off: 1:00 p.m.
This year marks our 14th year offering adjudication, awards, and cash prizes for marching bands — and we would love for you to be part of one of Southern Illinois' most exciting festivals!
Who Can Participate?
We welcome high school and junior high / middle school bands of all sizes.
Bands will compete in the following divisions:
- High Schools, 250+ enrollment
- High Schools, 249 or fewer enrollment
- Junior High / Middle Schools (open class, all sizes)
✅ Divisions & Awards
- High School (250+ enrollment)
- High School (249 or fewer enrollment)
- Junior High / Middle School (open class)
Prizes per division:
1st – $500 | 2nd – $250* | 3rd – $100*
(*based on minimum participation)
Overall Grand Champion – $1,000 (may adjust if <8 bands entered)
Why You Should Join
✔ Perform in front of an enthusiastic community crowd
✔ Get valuable adjudicated feedback
✔ Compete for great prizes
✔ Celebrate your band’s hard work at one of the best fall festivals in the region!
We can’t wait to see you there!
Bring your music, your talent, and your school spirit — and help make this year’s Mt. Vernon Fall Fest Parade the most memorable yet!
Terms & Conditions
✅ Expo Performance
Judges will be located on the north side of the Jefferson County Courthouse
Entries must keep moving throughout parade. Do not stop to perform for judges
Judged on: music, marching, general effect, overall presentation
✅ Arrival & Check-in
Send your cell phone number to Nat Shook, Band Organizer, at Nat@uwsci.org
Check in at the parade office upon arrival for line-up info and updates
✅ Conduct & Safety
Adult supervision required
No throwing items from floats/bands
✅ Other Notes
Register by September 11, 2026
Bring your own equipment/props
Event photos/videos may be used in promotions
Questions? Contact:
Angela Schrum | angela.schrum@mtvernon.com | (618) 242-3151
Related files
Questions on the application
User information
- First name
- Last name
Business information
- Business name
- Legal business name
- Contact name
- Address
- Phone
- Website (Optional)
- Logo (Optional)
Additional information
- School Name
- Band Name
- Type of Marching Band
- Please include any special notes you would like the announcer to mention as your band approaches the courthouse/judging area.
