Moline, IL & Davenport, IA

The CSB has successfully returned from a quick visit to Moline, IL & Davenport, IA.

An early Saturday morning departure got the band to Davenport in plenty of time to march in the Festival of Trees Parade that stepped off at 11:00 am. Although the parade stepped off at 11:00, we were the next last unit in the parade (only Santa Claus followed us) so we didn't get started until nearly noon. The parade route was about 18 blocks and there were people lined up to watch the entire route. We were greeted with applause and waves from people of all ages including most of the children who had painted the tips of their noses red presumably for this occasion. We were blessed with moderate temperatures (mid 40s) and dry air. If you have to march in a Christmas parade, this was certainly the way to do it. The weather was fine and the route wasn't too long.

Following the parade we proceeded to a wonderful lunch followed by a concert to celebrate the kick off of the Quad Cities Red Kettle Campaign where they have established a goal of raising $576,000 between now and Christmas. WQAD Morning Show Anchor Jim Mertens was introduced as the honorary chairman of the campaign.

Twelve of the younger members of the band then had the opportunity to assist the Red Kettle Campaign by playing at Salvation Army Kettle stands at the entrance to the i wireless arena in Moline, IL. They played traditional Christmas carols for patrons arriving for a Holiday Pops concert and provided them with the opportunity to make a donation to the campaign.

On Sunday morning the band conducted and participated in a united worship service at the Davenport, IA Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC). In addition to the men from the ARC the service was attended by Salvation Army members from the Quad Cities area as well as other brass band enthusiasts who had found us over the weekend.

Following the worship service we headed back to our headquarters in Des Plaines, IL. This week we'll be putting the finishing touches on preparations for the 100th anniversary celebration weekend scheduled for this weekend in Wheaton, IL on Saturday evening and at Norridge, IL on Sunday. Watch this space for more information about that later in the week.