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Ocala
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Marching band competition organizers seek additional $47,000 in funding from county

An upcoming two-day marching band competition is seeking an additional $47,000 in funding from Marion County officials.

During this week’s Marion County Tourist Development Council meeting on Thursday, October 28 at 10 a.m., council members will vote on whether to recommend approval of additional funding for the Florida Marching Band Championship’s upcoming two-day competition.

The event will be held on November 20 and 21 at World Equestrian Center (1750 NW 80th Avenue).

The organization was previously awarded $20,000 in funding from the council, and they now seek an additional $47,000 to be used for facility rental, marketing, judges, security, and emergency medical technicians.

There are 67 bands comprising 6,740 students that are registered for the competition, and 485 University of Florida marching band members are also performing.

Around 10,600 spectators are expected at World Equestrian Center for prelims and finals over the two days, along with around 2,400 directors, staff, and chaperones attending the competition.

Staff, judges, vendors, sponsors, and others will bring an additional 425 people to the event.

In total, the competition is expected to bring 20,655 visitors to Ocala, with business sales projected to exceed $6.7 million.

The Marion County Tourist Development Council’s recommendation will be passed along to the Marion County Board of County Commissioners to be discussed and voted on during an upcoming regular meeting of the commission.

In the event that FMBC’s request is approved by the council and commission, funding would be paid following the event after hotel room nights have been verified and appropriate eligible expenses have been submitted.