The Dodgers brought home the grand champion trophy from the 77th annual Algona Band Day Festival.

“I pulled them aside after the awards and they were screaming and yelling and some even crying,” said Fort Dodge All-American Marching Band Director Al Paulson. “They came and they conquered and couldn’t have done much better.

“You could see on their faces how proud they were of their performance and the accolades they received.”

To go along with their overall championship, the first for Fort Dodge Senior High since COVID, Fort Dodge was also tops in Class 4A, beating Sioux City North and Storm Lake. There were 14 bands that hit the field.

-Submitted photo
Fort Dodge All-American Marching Band drum majors (left to right), Owen Hamlow, Manuela Rodridguez, Brooklyn Kaloupek and Leif Hamilton stand with their awards and trophies after the competition on Saturday.

“I couldn’t be more pleased with the way they performed,” Paulson said. “They played at the highest level I could expect.”

The Dodgers earned top winds and horn line, and drum line. They were also top in execution, maneuvering and overall performance.

This is the second straight competition the Dodgers have been the best in 4A, winning the North Central Iowa Marching Band Clinic and Competition last Saturday inside Dodger Stadium.

“I am extremely proud of the band. I knew they could do it and were always winners in my eyes, but to see everyone out there and really leave it all on the field was incredible to say the least,” said Manuela Rodriguez, head drum major. “The accomplishment is amazing because it just reinforces what (Al) Paulson and the drum majors have been saying about how great this band and this show really is.

“I am so incredibly lucky to have my last year as drum major with this band and this show. The crowd was great, the performance was great, and we came home champions. What an amazing experience.”

The Dodgers put on a show for the fans in attendance with the music from Simon and Garfunkel.

“I am extremely proud of the band, but after our performance it was amazing to see how proud everyone was of themselves,” said Drum Major Owen Hamlow. “Winning this competition was such a great payoff to all the hard work the band has been putting in since band camp in August.”

Algona puts on a show for their festival, with over 15 area bands, 100 floats and entries, making it a favorite celebration in Algona.

“Being proud would be an understatement,” said Drum Major Leif Hamilton. “We put so much effort in this week and built on what was already a very strong show.

“Winning grand champion felt great of course, but nothing can beat how we felt marching off the field executing an awesome show. We gave it our all and what we achieved is what I believe is the best show we’ve had in my four years of band.”

The Algona band put on an exhibition show, while Bishop Garrigan and Humboldt showcased their talents as well.

The Solid Gold Marching Band from Bishop Garrigan performed their show “Crazy,” while the Wildcat Marching Band showcased “Pandora Reopened.”

“I am very proud of the band,” said Drum Major Brooklyn Kaloupek. “They came so far and have worked very hard for these past few weeks.

“The championship means so much to me because I’ve seen the band put in a tremendous amount of effort towards this show, and their growth is just overall inspiring.”

Fort Dodge will be back in action on Saturday at Dodger Stadium when they host the state band competition.