I read the story about the New Mexico Hill Stompers marching band with interest.
I was Snowdown’s webmaster from 1996 through 2005 and I recall getting an email from the Hill Stompers asking if they could be in the 2004 Light Parade. In those days, the snowdown.org website published the schedule of events in December and the Hill Stompers’ inquiry came in early enough that, after consultation with Terry Fiedler (may his memory always inspire us), I extended a parade invitation to the band.
I do not remember if we waived the $50 entry fee. I do remember that the band had such a good time in 2004 that they came back the next year and they have become a Snowdown fixture.
John Griffiths
Durango
