Marching in a parade that has many different groups involved is a lot to take in for a small-town band. The Bison Brigade took the challenge in stride, though, when they traveled to West, Texas, to march in the annual WestFest parade.

“It was really fun, even though walking around the festival got tiring,” freshman Iris Valles said. “All the people were nice and welcoming to us.”

The citizens hold the festival every Labor Day weekend to recognize the area’s Czech heritage. Westfest includes tradition Czech foods, music and family activities.

“The Czech lifestyle is what I grew up around,” teacher Melonie Menefee said. “It was really close to my heart, and it reminded me of home.”

After marching in the parade, the band spent the day at the festival. They stuck around all day to so they would have a chance to listen to Brave Combo, a band that played that night.

“The band was really fun to watch and listen to,” sophomore Landon Folsom said. “I really enjoyed myself at the festival.”