PG hosts Marching Invitational Saturday

TEXARKANA, Texas — The Pleasant Grove Marching Invitational will kick off its second annual competition Saturday at Pleasant Grove High School Stadium, 5406 McKnight Road.

The event will showcase some of the finest band programs in Northeast Texas and Southwest Arkansas, according to a news release from Pleasant Grove Independent School District.

The PG High School band will kick off the competition with an exhibition performance at 10:15 a.m. The lineup of bands for the morning block consists of Horatio, Maud, Prairiland, Hooks, Linden-Kildare, De Queen and Mount Vernon.

After an hour lunch break, the Redwater High School Band, last year’s grand champion, will start the afternoon block at 1:30 p.m. The afternoon lineup includes Quitman, Arkansas High, Queen City, Winnsboro, Atlanta and Mineola.

The competition will conclude with the announcement of all awards. The contest host is PG Director of Bands Bass Deese and the contest coordinator is Robert Hesse. Band judges are Buddy Deese, David Torres and Brandon Brewer. The color guard sand the percussion judge is Jeff Ausdemore.

Because of COVID-19, spectators will be required to wear a mask and socially distance on the homeside stands, which will be marked off to ensure proper distancing. Seating will be limited throughout the day.

Admission to watch bands all day is $8 for adults and $5 for students 18 or younger. Admission to watch only the morning or afternoon block of bands is $5 for adults and $3 for students. Toddlers 6 or younger are free.

(Please check the Pleasant Grove Hawk Band Facebook page for any updates or additional information.)