It’s that time of year again. Pumpkins, sweaters, changing leaves and Cranston High School East's Thunderbolt Band & Emerald Encore hosts its annual Marching Band Invitational at Cranston Stadium. Going on 30 years, this is the highlight of the music season for Cranston East.

This year’s line-up will feature eight of New England's best high school marching bands, including Bishop Feehan, Blackstone-Milville, Cranston East, Dartmouth, Dennis-Yarmouth, King Phillip, Oliver Ames High School and Somerset-Berkley.

The Thunderbolts will be performing their 2017 field show, “Shades of Latin.”

As Vice President of the Cranston East Alumni Music Association, Sara Larrabee Class of 2009, has close and fond memories of being in the band.

“For me, this event continues to impress me because the level of talent we still have in the local high school programs – even after the countless years of budget cuts – is incredible. It brings me back to my days on the field and I always leave thinking, "what I would give to march just one more time." My best friends still to this day were all in the band and many come back to Cranston for the invitational so it's like a mini reunion. The Thunderbolt Band continues to be one of the only competitive marching ensembles in the state and the Invitational draws hundreds of people to the city. As far as fundraising, which is critical to the success of the program, it's the biggest night of the year and allows the group to continue to travel and represent Little Rhody every year,” she said.

Working closely with students, faculty and alumni alike everyone has special memories and fondness for the Home Show.

For the graduating seniors, it is a bittersweet night, their last home show.

“My last home show always seemed so far away from when I first joined, but now that it's here I almost can't believe it. Marching band has been a huge part of my high school experience. I am so grateful for my directors and instructors, and all the friendships that I have made along the way. The memories that we have and will continue to make are something that I will cherish. This year will be filled with lots of 'lasts', but I can't wait to give it my all and see what this season has in store for us,” said Colorguard Captain Shevanna Yee.

Kevin Aldana, Drum Major, echoed the sentiment.

“For me as a senior, it being my last Home Show is a bittersweet ending, it's more emotional now this year than it ever has been. Every year and every Home Show has been leading up to this and I guess it'll be really sad not being marching at the home show next year. For me it's always been about remembering the first home show and the last one, I want to have a great performance and a great send off for my last four years of band. At this point everything goes from being our first "run-through" to the last. Band is a huge part of my life it'll be hard without it, but I'll never forget the fond memories and experiences I've had. Home Show will be bittersweet, but like band, I'll never forget it.”

For this group of students, they have sacrifices of their time, with family and friends, having to balance school and band, even trying to juggle a job. For most of them though, they wouldn’t have it any other way.

"Being my last home show, I've reflected on my past three years in band and realized how much I've grown and learned from this amazing program. From expanding my horizons as a musician, making me realize my love for music and how I would like to major in it in college, to help me grow as a leader, showing me how hard it is to be a leader, and how much energy and work it entails. Also, I've learned the values of teamwork, as every single member of the band works together to achieve the common goal of a clean show. Lastly, I've also learned the values of friendship as I've realized how much band is a family, expanding not from our band, but to bands across the region. Some of my best friends are from bands ranging from Northern Massachusetts to Southern Connecticut. I am going to miss being apart of the Thunderbolt Band, but the lessons I've learned, friends I've made, and memories we've shared will live with me forever." Said Drum Major, Thomas Yakey Jr.

While they are all members of the Cranston East band, each part of the band has their own family.

“This is my third and last home show for Cranston East and as the date gets closer I get anxious. It's feels very weird that this will be my last home show. As captain of the woodwinds, I feel proud that we made it this far. This season so far has been tough but I believe it will be worth it. As a senior, I've been trying to take a role to show the new members why marching band is one of the best groups in Cranston East. The friendships and endless memories made here and on the field will always have a place in my heart. I was introduced to marching band two years ago because of my brother who played in low brass and my sister who did color guard. Therefore, I feel like it's necessary for me to carry on the tradition to join and do the best I can. But as my journey comes to an end I will always cherish the nights at the stadium staring at the sky as the sun sets and doing one last set of the opener,” said Woodwinds Captain, Timothy Khiev.

The show is held rain or shine, at the Cranston Stadium. Tickets for adults are $10, while students and seniors are $8. Children under 5 are free. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the show starts at 6 p.m.