South Dakota State University’s most popular marching band will appear in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Pride of the Dakota’s was chosen as one of nine bands to march in the 96th edition of the annual holiday spectacle. Taking a bite out of the Big Apple is a once in a lifetime experience for many of the 340 members. The band has been working tirelessly on their numbers and routines in order to be ready for the marching bands biggest stage.
The group is beginning their trip on Sunday, November 20th. While representing SDSU and South Dakota, The Pride of the Dakotas will get to explore the city for five days and visit many of New York’s top attractions. As a group they will get to experience special tours at places such as Top of the Rock Observation Deck, National 9/11 Memorial and Museum, Intrepid See, Air & Space Museum, and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. After their march, they will all aboard a Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise for a holiday dinner ride around the island. They will be leaving New York on Friday, November 25th.
This accomplishment completes the full circle of top-tier marching band appearances in the United States for South Dakota State. The rich history of The Pride also includes performances in Presidential Inaugural Parades in Washington, D.C. (1981 and 1997) and the 2008 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will air on Thursday, November 24 from 9 am to noon in all time zones. Watch the parade wherever you are! Every year the parade is broadcasted live on NBC TV. No cable, no problem! You can cheer on The Pride of the Dakotas from your computer, phone or tablet and stream the parade on NBC’s website.
You can see the band perform before their Macy’s debut on November 11th at The Pride of Dakotas Marching Band Indoor Concert. The concert begins at 7:30 pm at the Sanford Jackrabbit Athletic Complex, just North of the Dana J. Dykehouse Stadium. This concert is free will offering, with proceeds going to The Pride and Jack’s Cupboard, the SDSU food pantry.
Those interested in helping The Pride pay for the trip can visit www.sdsupride2nyc.org.
