BUCKHANNON, W.Va. – Tickets are on sale now for the World Association of Marching Show Bands (WAMSB) in Bucjkhannon from July 17 through the 24th. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Spokesman Randy Sanders said the competition includes bands from 32 countries and 24 band associations from around the world.
This is only the second time in the 26-year history of the event that it will be held in the United States. Sanders said the last time the event was in the United States was in Palm Springs, California, in 2017.
“Preliminary competitions will be Friday, July 21, and from there they will narrow it down to the ten best for the world championship,” Sanders said. “Those ten will compete Saturday evening in the final competition at Ross Field.”
The festival grounds will open in downtown Buckhannon on Monday, July 17, with a midway, a car show, and concessions.
In addition to the international line-up of bands, there will also be several local bands. Buckhannon-Upshur High School’s Buccaneer Marching Band will be the host band, performing during the opening and closing ceremonies. Marching bands from Tyler Consolidated High School, East Fairmont High School, and Phillip Barbour High School, along with the WVU Alumni Band, will also perform.
“The atmosphere will be fantastic,” Sanders said. “We’ll have a lot of free performances in Jawbone Park, which is a meeting place in downtown Buckhannon.”
The bands are competing in three categories: drumline competition, field parade competition, and preliminary field competition, which will be judged by a decorated panel of international judges.
A very special guest will be Lee Greenwood, a former high school band drum major. Sanders said Greenwood will arrive Wednesday, July 19, for the official opening ceremonies. Sanders compared the opening and closing ceremonies to something you would see at the Pan Am Games.
“Lee will take to the field, for the United States welcome,” Sanders said. “He’s going to do medely of his patriotic songs, of course ending with “God Bless the U.S.A.” and he’ll be in town for meet and greets.”
In preparation for the event, Sanders said there have been many sidewalk projects to improve walkability during the event. Other elements that will remain following the competition are the relationships developed with other countries. Sanders said the country of Ghana might not make the trip, but they are in talks to develop a lasting relationship.
“But whether they’re here or not to compete, we’re working on a trade program to send teachers there and bring teachers here for two or three weeks at a time, and the exchange students—that’s going to remain long after the competition,” Sanders said.
Sanders said organizing the event has been a team effort that has required public agencies, businesses, and volunteers. Leaders from Upshur, Harrison, and Randolph Counties have worked over the last year with state and local tourism agencies to organize the event.
“We have built the most robust security and safety program we have ever seen in Upshur County for this event,” Sanders said. “And it will be used for all events coming up.”