OZARK, Mo. – About 2,000 high school band members converged at Ozark High school today for the Pride of the Ozarks Marching Festival.  

Twenty-three bands from around the area performed and competed. Organizers say they expected up to 100,000 people in the audience throughout the day. Judges across the country were also invited to the event. 

The festival is considered a springboard for the groups going forward this band season. 

“We put a lot of hours in, and so every band has a different show, so you’re going to see a different production every 15 minutes from a different group. But you’ve got kids putting their time and energy into something really worthwhile, working as a team, and that’s a beautiful thing because they could be out doing other things,” Director of Bands at Ozark High School, Tom Meyer.

The competition ran until about 10:30 p.m.