Majorettes Claire Forden and Heidi Bauer 

The Deer Park UMC Psalm 150 Marching Band made its premier performance today at the Pine Grove Rhubarb Festival.

The marching band is an offshoot of the church’s Psalm 150 praise orchestra, which plays regularly during church services. Membership to the band is open to all ages, and isn’t limited to members of the church. Special donations and support from church members helped equip the band with T-shirts, hats, and other necessary equipment. Platte Canyon High School offered some of the drums on loan, while others were donated by orchestra member Doug Becvar.

The band’s current lineup features members ranging in age from 4 to 72. For this inaugural performance, they played “On Wisconsin,” in honor of Peter Chase, the oldest member of the band, who was a member of the University of Wisconsin Marching Band.

According to Craig Johnson, the parade organizer, this was the first time a marching band had appeared in the parade in the 22-year history of the festival. The Rhubarb Festival occurs every year in Pine Grove, and features a rhubarb/pancake breakfast, carnival games, vendor booths, and live bands as well as the parade. It's sponsored by the Pine/Elk Creek Improvement Association to benefit the North Fork Fire Department.

The Psalm 150 Marching Band will perform again at the Conifer Christmas Parade, usually held in early December.