Natalie Lance says in these tough economic times, one can hardly pass up a night of dinner and entertainment for less than $10.

The Forsyth County Marching Band Exhibition is “a lot of fun for the whole family,” Lance said, “and it’s entertainment and food at a good price.”

Her daughter, Brittany Lance, is one of many band members who plan to perform at this year’s annual fundraiser, set for Tuesday night at West Forsyth High School.

Tickets go on sale at the door for $3, and hamburger combo meals are $5 — money that will help buy new uniforms for the West Forsyth band this year.

High schools take turns holding the event each year, and bands from every school attend to showcase the talent of their musicians.

“All the parents come to cheer on their bands,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun.”

Lance said middle school bands often attend the event as well. “It gives them the chance to see what it’s like to be in the marching band,” said Lance, who was in charge of gathering vendors for this year’s event.

She said there will likely be about 35 businesses giving out freebies and talking about their wares. Jewelry stores, restaurants, a music studio, animal hospital, tanning salons, a chiropractor and many others will be manning booths.

Event organizer Karen Hight said people should arrive an hour or two before the entertainment starts to check out all the booths and for an opportunity to participate in the $1 “Buckets of Support Raffle.”
Band boosters gave local businesses an empty bucket and told them to decorate it and fill it with merchandise relevant to their company.

“The buckets are really neatly decorated, in a fun way,” Hight said, adding that some of the buckets are brimming with merchandise valued at more than $400.

“You’re gonna get a lot for your buck if you win one of those,” she said.

Hight said last year’s event at Central High School drew more than 800 people.

“It’s not just band parents,” said Hight, whose daughter, sophomore Kelci Hight, is in the color guard at West. “Other people from the community love to go. It’s a lot of energy, and it’s fun.”

The raffle begins at 5:30 p.m., and vendors will be around as well before the bands begin at 7:30 p.m.