Award-Winning Behind-The-Scenes Work at Band Fest

Mention ‘Band Fest’ to anyone in north Iowa and images come to mind…images of marching bands, throngs of people, a festival that lasts for days and of course, the big parade. All of the activities go on year after year almost seamlessly, yet SO much background work by hundreds of people has made each year seem “the best one yet.”

This year, Trinity Lutheran Church is lucky to be the recipient of a huge award that recognizes the effort given behind the scenes of Band Fest. This award is usually given to an individual, but Trinity’s work over the past two decades has made such a difference that it was deemed award-winning. The award in particular is the Klempnauer Award, which was started in 1993.

Mason City’s Chamber of Commerce newsletter, Business Matters, explains that the Klempnauer Award was named for Dan Klempnauer, “a long-time volunteer and festival supporter, and is intended to honor an unsung hero who volunteers for the festival.” Trinity was “chosen because of its hospitality, serving lunch and refreshments for Band Festival Royalty, which has become a cherished tradition. Trinity also serves as a staging area and judging location for the parade, and the church’s grounds have become a gathering space for spectators.”

The Chamber newsletter also pointed out that “in addition to its festival involvement, Trinity invites visitors to join outdoor worship on the Sunday of Band Festival weekend, creating a welcoming space for reflection and connection. The church’s participation in the festival highlights its mission to serve the community and bring people together in celebration.”

According to the North Iowa Band Festival Foundation, this award traditionally recognizes “an individual who has made a significant contribution to the development, history, or success of the North Iowa Band Festival.” The awardees typically have worked “behind the scenes” to ensure the success of the festival, and other than two of the past awardees, each year has honored an individual.

Colleen Frein, President and CEO of the Mason City Chamber of Commerce, explains why Trinity was chosen as the award recipient this year: “The Klempnauer Award is meant to honor an unsung hero of Band Festival, and we could think of no one more deserving than Trinity Lutheran Church. Trinity is our home base during parade day, and we are so thankful that the congregation is willing to open its doors to us each year, support our royalty candidates, and allow us to take over the parking lot, grounds, and neighboring streets for the morning to put on the parade. There is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes that no one realizes is happening, especially with the office and custodial staff. For all of these reasons, Trinity is a perfect example of what the Klempnauer Award represents!”

As an award winner, the responsibilities include riding in the parade and accepting the award at the Awards Ceremony after the parade. It may take quite a large convertible to fit all of Trinity’s Band Fest helpers, as the Altar Guild and several other members play huge roles in seeing that everything goes smoothly.

Julie Sanchez has been a member of the Altar Guild for 20 years and says the group “loves serving the Kings/Queens’ luncheon…and just being a part of the Band Festival!” She mentioned that the Altar Guild volunteers spend the whole day at Trinity, along with the Chamber workers and volunteers. “There are people coming and going all day long!” Sanchez said.

The Altar Guild’s responsibilities begin the day before the parade, getting as much ready for the Saturday luncheon as possible, and then they are back at it around 8 AM Saturday morning, finishing luncheon preparations and setting the buffet table up. Sanchez said, “Then we usually go outside and watch the parade, until it’s time to serve lunch. After lunch, we clean up the kitchen and our day is done.”

Sanchez’s favorite memories of Band Fest revolve around the luncheons. She said, “When I first joined [Altar Guild], it was very elaborate.  We served in the Fellowship Hall, with tablecloths, centerpieces, beautifully dressed fruit trays, etc. For 2 years after Covid first hit, we served brown bag lunches. Since then, we have gone back to serving in the fellowship hall, but in a more casual atmosphere.”

Another person who has been in the background assisting is Dave Smith, Trinity’s custodian. He makes sure the seating is set up for the band kings and queens, arranges chairs for the judges and makes sure the set-up for the luncheon is fit for band royalty. “Anything that needs to be done, I’m the go-to guy!” Smith said.

Smith witnesses the flurry of activity at Trinity from early morning until after the parade is over. He stays here until after the kids clean up the parade route and come back to Trinity for pizza. In fact, that fits into one of his favorite things about the day. “I like seeing all the kids smiling and happy,” he said. He grinned and added, “Oh, and I like the parade! We’re the start and finish of it!”

Receiving the Klempnauer Award “is a great feeling!” according to Sanchez. “Trinity has hosted the Band Festival for many, many years.  I think it’s wonderful that they are getting recognized for their continued involvement and support year after year.” †