Owatonna Band Festival to Return, but Without Spectators

The Harry Wenger Marching Band Festival is back for 2021. However, the Owatonna event will be held without spectators. In a letter to sponsors, organizers wrote, "The event will have a different look this year as it will be closed to spectators."

They did announce they "will be streaming the event live on our website (owatonnabandfestival.com) and on our Facebook page (Harry Wenger Marching Band Festival)." The festival is set for Saturday, June 19 and features high school marching bands from around the state. The event was canceled in 2020.

Traditionally, bleacher seating is set up at several spots around the parade route for spectators to take in performances. The first festival was held in 2010 and honors former Owatonna music teacher Harry Wenger. He stepped down as a teacher in the early 1950's and began Wenger Company to manufacture music supplies.

Wenger Corporation has been manufacturing products for music education for over 75 years, while expanding into performing arts and athletics over time. Their brochure proclaims, "With over 800,000 square feet of manufacturing space, we supply a broad array of products for music education, performing arts and athletics.

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Categories: Lifestyle, Local News