Alexandria, Minnesota

Always the last Sunday
in June

Bill and Anne Riggs named Grand Marshals of 2018 Vikingland Band Festival

ALEXANDRIA, MN (May 7, 2018) — The Vikingland Band Festival committee is proud to announce that Bill and Anne Riggs have been named grand marshals of the 34th Annual Vikingland Band Festival to be held Sunday, June 24. The Riggses were selected for the honor because of their contributions to the community, which include a long record of supporting the arts and teaching two generations of students in Alexandria Public School District 206.

Anne Riggs taught French for 25 years and is still fondly called "Madame Riggs" by her former students. She continues to provide her caring touch as a volunteer for the elementary reading program and for Hospice of Douglas County. Bill Riggs taught social studies and speech for 35 years, and is well known as an accomplished trumpet player. He has performed with groups such as Doc's All Stars and the Alexandria Big Band, and traditionally plays TAPs at local Veterans Day ceremonies. The couple's appreciation for music has been passed on to their children and grandchildren who have all participated in school music groups. Their son, Pete, played trumpet in high school, and their daughter, Joy, played French horn in the Alexandria Marching Band when it first rose to national prominence in the 1980s.

Committee chair Greg DeGier said, "Bill and Anne are remarkable citizens. The grand marshal designation typically recognizes people who have made contributions to music, youth or the community. Bill and Anne have touched all three areas. They have each earned the respect of their students and they have created a wonderful legacy."

As grand marshals, the Riggses will lead the Vikingland Band Festival parade featuring nearly 1,800 performers beginning at 1:30 PM on Sunday, June 24. The marching music weekend will also include the Minnesota Drum Corps Premiere field show exhibition on Saturday, June 23, at 7:00 PM.

For information about reserved parade bleacher seating and advance discounts on drum corps tickets, visit VikinglandBandFestival.com and follow the Vikingland Band Festival on Facebook.