Event to feature 20th annual pet parade

By Robert Whitmire

Following a week indoors due to inclement weather, the Stevens Point City Band continues its summer concert series when it takes the stage at the Pfiffner Park Bandshell with a program fit for man and beast.

The baton is set to drop at 7 PM Wed., July 12 with director Kathy Kawleski on the podium. “An Animal Adventure” is the theme for the concert; the highlight being the 20th annual pet paraded.

Two-legged and four-legged audience members are invited to join in the march to J. F. Wagner’s “Under The Double Eagle”.

The salute to our furry friends also includes “The Turtle’s Retort”, “Army Ants March & Boogie”, “Birdland”, “An Irish Rhapsody”, “Suite from Man of La Mancha”, and more.

“Man of La Mancha made its Broadway premier in 1965 running for more than 2300 shows and bringing home Five Tony Awards including Best Musical and features the well-known standard “The Impossible Dream”. The musical is based on Cervantes “Don Quixote” written in the 17th century.

Jozef Franz Wagner, known as the Austrian March King penned “Under the Double Eagle” in 1893. The title refers to the double eagle which is part of the Austria Hungary coat of arms. The piece has been adapted and performed by a number persons over the years including Benny Goodman and Grand Ole Opry star Roy Clark.

Audience members are reminded to bring blankets or chairs for seating and Michele’s Restaurant and Catering will be at the park with food to purchase before and during the concert.

The band’s rain site is St. Paul Lutheran Church and School gymnasium located at 1919 Wyatt Avenue.

In the case of inclement weather, the pet parade will be moved to the July 19 concert scheduled for the band shell.