Burlington marking 70 years of Teen Tour Band

A pair of events will celebrate the Burlington Teen Tour Band’s 70th anniversary this week.

The group is Canada’s oldest and largest youth marching band and to mark the milestone, the City of Burlington has proclaimed July 3 to 9 Burlington Teen Tour Band Week.

“Burlington Teen Tour Band is Canada’s musical ambassador and Burlington’s pride,” said Mayor Rick Goldring. “Thank you to all alumni and members for being such excellent ambassadors for our city over the last 70 years as you’ve travelled the world to share your music. This week we celebrate the band’s strong and influential history.”

On Thursday, the mayor will be joined by members of the band, alumni and their families to officially proclaim the namesake week at Burlington City Hall’s Civic Square, 426 Brant St.

The event starts at 11 a.m. and will include a flag-raising.

Lance M. Tibbet, president of the Tournament of Roses, will present the city with the official Tournament of Roses flag since the band has been chosen as one of 20 marching bands — and the only marching band from Canada — to participate in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif. on Jan. 1, 2018.

A free concert is also planned for Sunday to commemorate the band’s anniversary at the Burlington Central Park Bandshell, 2299 New St., at 7:30 p.m.