The streets and stadiums of Waseca will come alive with music on Saturday, Sept. 20, as the 38th annual Waseca Marching Classic takes center stage.
Eighteen high school marching bands from Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota are registered for this year’s event, which has become one of the region’s premier showcases of marching music. Waseca’s own Marching Jays will serve as host band, performing in exhibition to close out the evening.
The day begins at 12:00 p.m. with the parade through downtown Waseca, featuring 10 competing bands along with a special appearance by the Maverick Machine Drumline from Minnesota State University, Mankato. The parade awards ceremony will follow immediately afterward at the Trowbridge Park Bandstand.
Competition continues in the evening at the Waseca Jr.-Sr. High School Stadium, where 14 bands will perform their field shows starting after the 5:30 p.m. introductions. The field lineup includes programs ranging in class from A to AAA, with highlights such as the Farmington Tiger Marching Band, Eastview Marching Band, and the Mankato 77 Lancers. The Maverick Machine Pep Band from MSU-Mankato will also perform as a special guest ensemble.
The Marching Jays will take the field at 9:10 p.m. in exhibition before the awards ceremony at 9:20 p.m. The evening will conclude with the event’s signature fireworks display, a tradition that has become a favorite for both students and fans.
Organizers say the goal remains the same as when the event began in 1987: to provide a memorable day of music, competition, and entertainment for participating bands, their families, and the Waseca community.
“Rain or shine, the Classic is about celebrating the dedication and talent of student musicians,” the committee noted. “It’s family entertainment at its finest.”
Schedule of Events — 38th Annual Waseca Marching Classic
Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025
Parade Order (12:00 p.m. Step-Off — Downtown Waseca)
A: Eagle Grove (IA) Marching Eagles
AA: Pipestone Area Arrow Marching Band
AA: Luverne Cardinal Marching Band
AA: Stewartville Marching Tigers
AAA: Lakeville North Panther Marching Band
AAA: Farmington Tiger Marching Band
AAA: “Spirit of Worthington” Trojan Marching Band
AAA: Lakeville South Marching Cougars
AAA: Eastview Marching Band
Special Guest: Maverick Machine Drumline – Minnesota State University, Mankato
Exhibition: Waseca Marching Jays
Parade awards ceremony will follow at the Trowbridge Park Bandstand.
Field Show Schedule — Waseca Jr.-Sr. High School Stadium
5:30 p.m. — Introductions and Announcements
5:45 — A: NRHEG Panther Marching Band
5:58 — A: Pipestone Area Arrow Marching Band
6:11 — A: Park Center Marching Pirates
6:24 — A: Luverne Cardinal Marching Band
6:37 — A: Rochester Lourdes Marching Band
6:51 — AA: “Spirit of Madison” Marching Band (SD)
7:04 — AA: Hutchinson Marching Tigers
7:17 — AA: “The Force” (Spirit Lake, IA)
7:30 — AA: Coon Rapids Marching Cardinals
7:40 — Break
8:00 — AAA: Farmington Tiger Marching Band
8:14 — AAA: Mankato 77 Lancers Marching Band
8:28 — AAA: Lakeville South Marching Cougars
8:42 — AAA: Eastview Marching Band
8:56 — Special Guest: Maverick Machine Pep Band – Minnesota State University, Mankato, directed by Michael Thursby
9:10 — Exhibition: Waseca Marching Jays
9:20 — Awards Ceremony
Fireworks will follow the conclusion of the awards.