Fundraiser will help HHS band pay for D.C. visit

A local vendor and craft show is being held this weekend to raise money to help cover the cost of the Havre High School Blue Pony Marching Band’s 4th of July trip to Washington, D.C.

Some 31 artisans and vendors will be selling items at the Marching Madness Vendor and Craft Show at the Best Western Plus Havre Inn and Suites Saturday, March 19, 10 a.m to 5 p.m, and Sunday, March 20, 11 a.m to 4 p.m.

The show’s organizer Lynette Cline, a Havre resident, said she was planning on holding the show even before deciding to use the opportunity to generate money for the band’s trip.

“I just wanted to do something to help the kids out for their trip,” Cline said.

Cline said money from the application fees paid by vendors, as well as proceeds from a bake sale at the show, and the sale of tickets for items donated by participating vendors will also go to the band.

In September, the marching band was nominated by Gov. Steve Bullock to represent Montana in the National Independence Day parade in Washington, D.C .,this year.

They were chosen from three other nominees: Bozeman High, Corvallis High and Kalispell Public Schools.

Dave Jonke, Havre High band director, said the band will raise $50,000 of the money they need for the trip through fundraisers. Another $30,000 will be the responsibility of individual students and their families.

Jonke said 60 students are planning to go on the trip.