Photo: Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview, presents Nathan Kilgo, band director and Jonathan Watwood, band booster president with a $2,000 check from the State of Alabama for new uniforms.
All of us parents were in tears today as Rep. Randall Shedd presented the band a check for $2,000 toward our uniforms. It came straight from the State of Alabama House of Representatives. We had no idea this was going to happen.”Michelle Watwood
FAIRVIEW – On Saturday the Fairview High School band and band boosters held their 2nd Annual FHS Marching Band Car & Tractor Show at Fairview Park. The event exhibited tremendous growth in its second year. There were more than 60 exhibitors/vendors this year as opposed to only seven last year, along with almost double the amount of cars, at 63.
“We expect bigger and better each year,” Band Booster Michelle Watwood said. The event was started as a fundraiser to help the marching band purchase new uniforms.
“We will be purchasing the uniforms in the fall, and they will be wearing them in the 2017 season,” Watwood said. “Next we are looking to purchase new equipment. These kids are in desperate need of new band equipment. What they’re having to do now is use a lot of things second-hand. While there is nothing wrong with that, a lot of the things they have to use are broken. So, we’re hoping to help them.”
As with any successful car show, those participating have to be excited about attending. That is easier to do when the event is a fundraiser for a school group. That is true for men like Donnie Zeinstmeister.
“I participate because of the cars, of course, but mainly the kids, to give the kids the money,” he said. “Also, these car shows help you find people you know.” Zeinstmeister brought his 1957 Thunderbird for show, along with his friend Keith Hodge, who brought his 1966 Oldsmobile 442.
The North Alabama and Central Alabama Volkswagen Club had representative Cecelia Funderburke in attendance.
“I think right now we have about five Volkswagens here today,” she said. “It’s important for members of the community to support an event like this to help the kids get new band uniforms. I think the community needs to pitch in and help our young kids. It lets the kids know that we are here for them. Events like this help the community get together and fellowship and grow closer.”
The event was abuzz with activity, from people viewing cars, enjoying the live music, shopping and patronizing the vendors, and just enjoying a summer Saturday in the south; all for a good cause.
The best was yet to come.
In a surprise announcement, Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview presented the Fairview High School band a check for $2,000, an action that caused the many who have been working so hard to raise funds for the kids a bit emotional.
“All of us parents were in tears today as Rep. Randall Shedd presented the band a check for $2,000 towards our uniforms. It came straight from the State of Alabama House of Representatives,” said Watwood. “We had no idea this was going to happen.”
An excellent Saturday, indeed!
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