The Popcorn Parade in Ridgway is the first event of the season every year. It is a good opportunity for students to show their talent in the parade as well as band director Hannah Drake getting to show off her hard work and instructor skills.
This year will mark the 65th year of Popcorn Days in Ridgway. The festival is celebrated on the second weekend in September every year and includes live entertainment, rides, and games as well as the parade.The event’s name is a nod to the industry that put the town on the map, the Agrilink Popcorn Plant, before closing over 20 years ago.
“I’m from Ridgway,” Drake said. “It’s always nice to be there, to see a lot of familiar faces. They’re very supportive of us.”
Drake attended Gallatin County High School, so she also gets to see Gallatin County’s band for a “nice full circle moment.”
The Marching Bulldogs have a remarkable history of success with several undefeated seasons under their belts.
“I like marching and then afterward being proud of the band,” senior Clyde Brand said.
The theme of this year’s Popcorn Parade was Vegas/Viva las Popcorn Days.
“I enjoy it more than others because it has a theme and it’s quite interesting!” Brand said.
For freshmen, this is the first chance to march as a member of the high school band.
“My favorite historical part about Popcorn Days is the food,” freshman Noah Billman said. “ Their popcorn lived up to the name. I enjoyed this parade because it was closer to home, and my family saw what I practiced so hard on.”
