Grand Marshals Dunn and Bohm

“This was a complete surprise to me. I got that letter in the mail, and I thought it was for a meeting or something. I was never expecting this,” says Gary Bohm. He and Dave Dunn will be riding in the Grand Marshal seat of honor for this year’s 35th Waseca Marching Classic parade, set to begin at noon on Saturday, Sept. 17. Like Bohm, school board member and band volunteer Dunn was taken by surprise. “I like to work in the background. I’m not a front guy,” he comments. “Still, it’s an honor.” 

Those chosen as Grand Marshal(s) are selected by the parade committee in recognition of having generously shared their time and talent, helping ensure the successful organization and execution of the parade. Both Dunn and Bohm have  given many years of service to the Classic and to the Waseca band program overall. But neither one does it for the accolades. “The band program is a good thing for the kids, for the school, for the families, for the community,” says Dunn.  “You don’t need any other reason than that to volunteer with something. Just go do some good.”

Both Dunn and Bohm have been “band parents”: one of Gary’s daughters, Jennifer, was in Color Guard, while the other, Kristen, played the clarinet. Dunn also had a daughter in color guard, while his son and step daughter both played the trumpet.  Dunn says he became closely involved with the inner workings of the Marching Classic about eight years ago through his good friend Jeff Lane. “Jeff was in charge of the parade overall. If you think of everything that has to be done to get the parade to physically happen, he was in charge of that,” says Dunn. “All the components that make up the parade–the bands, the floats–Jeff had to design the plan. And there’s a lot going on that people don’t ever see. There are many nuances you wouldn’t think of, but need to be taken care of.” 

Bohm agrees. “Setting it all up on paper, then going over the whole route with Jeff. We’d look at all the units and think ‘this thing is too close to that thing’ or ‘this should maybe go that way.’ Yeah, people never see that.” Dunn adds “Bet they'd notice if that wasn’t done, though.” Bohm has been involved with the Classic for the past twenty years.

Both Dunn and Bohm agree that music and the band program are one of the community’s great strengths. “Every town has to be noted for something,” says Bohm. “Our music program is our best ambassador.” Dunn concurs “The Classic has represented the community for a long time.”  Both Dunn and Bohm are pleased to see many of the parade duties passing on to a younger crowd. “The younger folks are getting into the swing of things. They did a nice job last year. We can turn it over to good hands,” says Bohm.  Dunn added that, on parade day, planners and volunteers don’t sit down from about eight in the morning until after everything is cleaned off the street. “It’s a long time on your feet, especially if it’s too hot or too cold. The young people handle it better,” he laughed.

The only thing different this year for Bohm and Dunn is that they will be sitting in a car and leading the parade instead of standing or walking along the route. Otherwise, “everything is pretty much the same,” says Bohm. “We always hope for good weather, good bands, and good attendance.”