The top high school band will receive $2,000 in the fair's first-ever band review. "We're really excited for it. It's a new thing to us obviously and there's a lot of money on the line, so it's more equipment for us if we win," said Edison High School Drum Major A.J. Bassill.
20 junior high and high school bands are competing on opening day of the Big Fresno Fair and they could also be up against the weather.
Band members at Sunnyside High School practiced under ominous skies Tuesday evening but drum major Tania Lopez didn't seem fazed by the possibility of rain. "It's all or nothing. We're going to compete, whether it rains or not," said Lopez.
At this point, fair organizers say the competition will go on despite the rain. They are sealing the horse racing track and have another plan in place if things get too muddy. "If we do have rain and it's not safe and it's not good for the kids to be on the track, then we will march on Butler Avenue. We've already put that plan into motion and we've let our judges know and the schools know," said Big Fresno Fair Deputy Manager Lauri King.
As people lined up for last minute pre-fair discounts Tuesday, they also mentally prepared for possible downpours. Jozette Honsinger said she'll be at the fair's opening day rain or shine. "They have like, umbrellas. They've been making them for years. I will be here in my raincoat, with my umbrella, rocking out to ZZ Top," said Honsinger.
Band members are also prepared to rock out at the fair. For them, this is what it's all about. "This is our sport. This is our team. And we're all in it together," said Lopez.
