Minnwest named “Friend of the Classic”

“Minnwest started the tradition of paying for the trophies given during the Waseca Marching Classic back when we were Roundbank,” says Melissa Olson, a mortgage lender with Minnwest. “It is a wonderful community event that we are honored to contribute to.”

Marching Classic organizers explain that Minnwest Bank and Minnwest Bank Insurance of Waseca have been named this year’s “Friends of the Classic” in honor of the fact the organization has continued the annual contribution of supplying the dozens of plaques and trophies distributed during the event. The tradition began with the very first Marching Classic 37 years ago.

Olson explains Minnwest is proud of the accomplishments of the area’s young musicians and is pleased to help showcase their skills and abilities. 

“It is our mission to be involved in the communities where we do business,” she says of the sponsorship provided by the two businesses. “It has become Minnwest’s tradition to provide the trophies, and we are glad to continue it.”

Of the Marching Classic, Olson goes on to say, “The planning committee does a wonderful job of organizing the event every year. It is always fun to see children and adults out enjoying ‘family entertainment at its finest.’”

Acknowledgments and trophies at the Classic are provided in a wide range of categories. Not only for each group’s placing within its class (A, AA, and AAA), but also for sweepstakes, people’s choice, and for specific elements of their presentation including drumline, color guard, drum majors and others. Many categories are double–once for the parade and once for the field show competition.

Acknowledgements are also given to the grand marshal, the friend of the classic, and other dignitaries.

“It’s quite a commitment,” organizers say of sponsoring the trophies. “We’re deeply grateful Minnwest has consented to carry on with this long-standing tradition.”