Band Day is a multi-generation event predating World War II. It has evolved over the years as Williston has grown and changed. The earliest reference found to date of Band Dayin Williston was a 1927 newsprint article, which gives Band Day a 96-year history. Hundreds of student musicians from Williston and surrounding communities participate in the parade.
Vivian has lived in Williston for 54 years. She is a member of the Thursday Musical Club, one of the founding organizations behind Band Day, and remembers attending Band Day as a teenager. When she was young, her parents sacrificed so she could learn to play the accordion, and she later sang in school programs, church choirs, and theater productions. As an adult, she built floats for different organizations and took her turn driving the float entries too!
"My daughters Samantha and Allayna were very musical and I spent 11 wonderful years watching them march in the Band Day parade and riding on floats," commented Vivian. "Parents have crazy schedules on Band Day, watching their kids march and then picking them up and running them back to the lineup area so they can ride on their clubs' floats. My memories continue now as I watch my grandchildren participate in the parade."
Vivian has been a supporter of Band Day every year in other ways, as well. "It is a lot of work to put on an event," she noted. "It takes people, money, time and dedicated band directors and families. It is important to me show support and I enjoy every minute of it!"
In August of 2022, Vivian was diagnosed with Cervical Cancer. She has been strong through all the treatments and surgeries and recently completed 36 treatments of Chemo/Radiation, but the time has come when medical bills have accumulated. Few in Williston are as actively engaged in all aspects, from Entertainment inc to The James Memorial Art Center; Vivian is the best example of showing up to support ALL Williston offers. Being an active part of so many organizations over the years, it's hard to mention them all, so bear with me as I list the ones I know of:
- Thursday Night Musical
- James Memorial Art Center
- The Nazarene church
- The moose
- American Legion Auxiliary
- United Way
- Miss ND Little Sister Program
- Youth. Education. on Stage.
- Entertainment Inc
- Relay for Life
- Frontier Museum
- Community Concert
- UMARC
- Lewis and Clark trail museum
- ND duck stamp program
- Readersville
- After-school club tutor
- Special Olympics
- Prairie Rose State Games
- The Fair
- Kids Day Out
- Chokecherry Festival
- Holiday Lights Drive
- ND Juried Student Art Show
And more, I am sure I am leaving out!!
With a deep love for her children and grandchildren, Vivian has set out to make Williston the best it can be. She proves that one voice is heard and that one person CAN make a difference. Please join us in Congratulating her on her many accomplishments and wishing her well in her battle with Ovarian Cancer. Vivian, well done!