The drum line of the North Stanly Marching Comets performs during the Food Lion Classic on Saturday at East Rowan High School's stadium. Photos by Laura Braziel

By Lee Ann Sides Garrett

For the Salisbury Post

Pink dreams, Wright Brothers aviation and a tap dancing penguin.

What do these things have in common? They were all part of the flash, pageantry and occasional silliness of the 12th annual Food Lion Classic marching band competition. The event showcased local marching bands from South Rowan and North Rowan as well as bands from all over the region in competition.

Bands, divided into classes A through AAAA based on size, competed for trophies in categories such as drum major, visual ensemble, percussion, marching, music, general effect and grand champion.

The event was part of a day of competition for some bands, as six of the bands attending the Classic also competed in the Lord Salisbury marching band competition at Catawba College that morning. North Rowan Band attended and competed in both events. East Rowan competed at Catawba and performed in exhibition on their home field.

Opening show: The North Stanly Marching Comets begin their 'Happy Feet' show.

East Rowan Band Director Doug Morin said he was grateful to Food Lion for sponsoring the event for 12 years. Morin said high school bands compete almost every weekend. Two competitions in one day is a lot of work, he said, but many bands do it for "convenience of location."

"It is a chance for students to show off hard work in front of different groups of people, with less work for everyone," Morin said.

Susan Sain, whose daughter attends West Lincoln High School, travels from Lincolnton to watch every competition.

Magical: the South Rowan Raider Regiment performs its 2007 show, 'Magical Mystery Tour,' which features music from the Beatles.

"These competitions build character and help them learn discipline," Sain said. "It's important to be involved and support her."

Band members say it's a lot of fun and a way to measure themselves.

"They're a good way to show off how much your band is improving and see how others are keeping up," said East Rowan band member Tangela Linn.

Despite a chill in the air, spectators sat in a packed grandstand and watched more than 1,000 students perform to such music as "Penny Lane" and "Boogie Wonderland."

The Salisbury-based N.C. Army National Guard unit provided a flyover during the "Star-Spangled Banner."

Galen Harris, North Stanly tuba player, leaves the field.

North Rowan's show was titled "Harmonic Transformation," and South Rowan performed "Magical Mystery Tour." East Rowan's exhibition was titled "Dreams" and featured a soft pink background and flowing flags against the flash of white uniforms. North Stanly High School delighted the crowd with a show called "Happy Feet," which featured a tap dancing penguin in a rhythm duel with percussion.

Food Lion Classic results for local bands were:

* North Rowan, first place in drum major, percussion and general effect; second in visual ensemble and music; and overall in the AA division.

* South Rowan, second in percussion and marching; third overall in the A division.

* North Stanly, second in visual ensemble.

In the Lord Salisbury Classic, East Rowan took first place in music, marching, visual ensemble and overall in the AAA division and second place in percussion, drum major and general effect.

Colorful: Two members of the South Rowan Raider Regiment color guard perform during the 'Magical Mystery Tour' show. Photo by Laura Braziel