MIndy 500: MIHS marching band racing to raise money for NYC

May 3, 2023 5:30 pm
Pictured from left to right on April 1, 2022, at Mercer Island High School, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade creative producer Wesley Whatley, Mercer Island High School marching band directors Kyle Thompson, Jacob Krieger and Parker Bixby and Macy’s Bellevue store manager Ryan Ramoso. Andy Nystrom/ staff photo
Pictured from left to right on April 1, 2022, at Mercer Island High School, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade creative producer Wesley Whatley, Mercer Island High School marching band directors Kyle Thompson, Jacob Krieger and Parker Bixby and Macy’s Bellevue store manager Ryan Ramoso. Andy Nystrom/ staff photo

Special to the Reporter

Come race Big Wheels through the halls of Mercer Island High School (MIHS) to help the marching band fund its road trip to New York City. The MIndy 500 happens from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 13. Attendees can take a spin on an oversized trike, check out an amazing car show, try some new food trucks and play all sorts of other games from Mario Cart to Rubik’s Cube timed races.

People can buy $25 tickets the day of, from one of their favorite band members or online at https://wa-mercerisland-lite.intouchreceipting.com/mihsasb. All proceeds go directly to students, who are raising money for their trip to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Every year, hundreds of bands from across the country vie to march in the largest, most-watched parade in the nation. The MIHS band is one of only six high school bands to win a spot in the 2023 parade line up.

The band is no stranger to big events, performing in the Tournament of Roses, Seattle Seahawks’ halftime shows and the London New Year’s Parade. But the Macy’s parade will be a first for the school and the band will represent Washington state for the first time in 20 years.

What started as a way to drum up business for Macy’s back in 1924 has become an immense spectacle. Some 3.5 million people view the parade in person along the Manhattan route and more than 50 million watch it on TV. There are some 10,000 participants, including 12 of the nation’s best marching bands.

But getting more than 200 students and their instruments there in November has a Big Apple price tag. Band members have already sold more than 200 car wash tickets to Brown Bear Car Wash. But the MIndy 500 is the biggest fundraiser to help students defray the cost of their road trip. Come have some fun and help the band pave the way.

Student scholarships are also essential as about 6 percent of families will tap those funds. If riding a Big Wheel isn’t for you, you can help the scholarship fund with a donation at: https://www.misbb.org/scholarship-campaign