The Cranston East Thunderbolt Band will be holding its 25th annual “Home Show” marching band invitational competition on Saturday, Oct. 20, at Cranston Stadium. The first band will take the field at 6 p.m., and awards will be given after 9. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Children ages 5 and under get in for free.

This event will take place rain or shine. Please check the CHSE Music Department website at http://chse.cpsed.net/music/ for day-of details in case of inclement weather.

The event marks an annual tradition for the band, bringing thousands of marching band fans to Cranston. The 14 bands come from towns throughout southeastern Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. In addition to Cranston East, the bands participating this year are: Bishop Feehan, Dennis-Yarmouth, Somerset-Berkley, King Philip, Dartmouth, Blackstone-Millville, Norwood, East Lyme, Portsmouth, Joseph Case, East Providence, Bishop Hendricken and Tiverton. The bands are judged in the U.S. Bands competition, which is dedicated to the service of music educators by providing opportunities for programs of all levels of achievement to perform, grow and challenge their students.

In addition to the music and marching, the event features a 50/50 raffle, souvenirs that feature any of the bands, an Alumni Table and a regionally renowned concession stand. Attendees can also purchase “air-grams” that provide shout-outs to encourage band members. All proceeds go to support the Cranston East Thunderbolt Band, which uses the funds to provide for transportation and meet other costs associated with a competition marching band.

(Herald photos by Susan Halvarson and Leo van Dijk / rhodyphoto.com)