Kelleytown Stadium hosts tournament of bands

By Chad Rhoad
Editor/ The Messenger
Published: October 10, 2008

More than 15 bands turned out for the return of the Annual Tournament of Bands at Kelleytown Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 4.

The event was the 22nd tournament held at the stadium, according to Hartsville High School Band Booster Club member Bonnie Saleeby.

The event was attended by more than 2,000 people, Saleeby said, and bands from as far away as North Carolina took part.

“We want to thank all of the local businesses that gave items for our band directors’ ‘welcome bags’ and our ‘teacher thank you bags,’” Saleeby added.

The Red Regime was unable to compete in the tournament, Saleeby said, because it was the hosting band, but it did earn a superior rating for its performance.

A special award was presented to the Sumter High School Band, the Dr. Ray Sowell Award, that included a $1,000 prize. The award was established by the estate of Dr. Ray Sowell, a long time supporter of the Hartsville Red Regime, as well as several bands located at Myrtle Beach. Sumter won the award for accumulating the highest score at the tournament.

The tournament winners are as follows:

Division one: South Florence High School

Division A: Bamberg-Ehrhardt High

Division AA: Cheraw High School

Division AAA: Lumberton High School (N.C.)

Division AAAA: Sumter High School