St. Paul Scouts Win Grand Award At Washington Seafair Parade
By John Broderick and Vince Tarasco
DCN Aug. 29, 1962 issue

The St. Paul Scouts of Minnesota won the Grand Sweepstakes award at the Seattle, Washington Seafair Parade. There were over 60 musical organizations in the parade including units from Canada and many of the west coast states. This parade was viewed by over 200,000 people along the parade route, and was also televised. The Scouts also took first place at the Seattle Worlds Fair Competition on July 29.

The "MUSIC IN MOTION" competition, sponsored by the Shamrock Junior Corps of Seattle, was held July 29.
Scores were as follows:
1. St. Paul Scouts ........... 93.1
2. Thunderbirds .............. 84.1
3. Columbians ................ 81.6
4. Shamrocks ................. 79.0
5. Vernon Girls .............. 68.8
6. Blue Angels ............... 66.5

Albert Wittman, Manager of the Shamrocks, entertained the St. Paul drum line, drill instructor, drum instructor and three of the adult leaders at his home with a barbeque and swim in his 45 ft. swimming pool. There were also many Shamrock parents and corps members there.

The Scouts made a tremendous impression upon the Shamrock parents and corps members. They conducted themselves like true gentlemen. St. Paul can well be proud of this unit as ambassadors for St. Paul, Minnesota. They were eager and willing to answer all questions put before them, and we must have asked thousands.

Roger Brodeson, drum instructor, wrote us a drum solo; Mike Gordinie, drill instructor, showed us how we could sharpen our drill; Jack Bodin told us about their ways and means projects and their drum line introduced us to a terrific style of drumming. I could go on forever telling you how well these boys were received in Seattle, but I will some it up by saying: "The city of Seattle would be proud to have these boys for permanent residents in our great city."

Now for a few comments on the "Music in Motion" show:
The Thunderbirds put on their usual G.E. packed show. The corps lacked some of the sharpness they usually have, but this could be because of the many demands made on them for parades during this "Seafair Week". Drums and bugles took high score for west coast corps.

The Columbians of Pasco, Washington were next off the line with their very sharp drill. Their music sounded good but their corps is getting smaller in size and the other corps are growing. This is hurting their G.E. This corps is from a small community that gives them a great deal of support and their manager, Mr. Halverson, works for them 24 hours a day, so watch for their large horn line next year.

Next corps off the line, the Shamrocks of Seattle: This corps looked good at times, but their show was spotty. They have two good numbers, but the rest are "Mickey Mouse". Add more GE to their show and they will be real contenders.

Next corps was the Vernon Girls from Vernon, British Columbia, Canada. Most of their drill consisted of column movements. It seemed as if they had at least 20 drums and 30 horns. This corps showed good spirit and received much applause from the audience.

Next corps, the Blue Angels, from Seattle, Wash: Before I comment, I must say this is a newer corps and it showed. They need much work in each caption. Parts of the concert number have very little appeal. Their new color guard presentation is very good. Drum Major good, but is maybe over-doing it. This is an up and coming corps; watch them next year.

Next on the field was the St. Paul Scouts from Minnesota. Their show was very, very good. They received a standing ovation when they finished and the audience requested more. They said they were "not up for this show"!! If so, we would certainly like to see them when they are. Their show was the highlight of the afternoon.

This completed one of the best "all-junior" shows ever presented here in Seattle. Our hats are off to Mr. Albert Wittman, Manager of the Shamrocks, and to Mr. and Mrs. Chambers and many more who worked so hard to make this show a success.