The Fairfax Marching Pride finished its 2023 marching season at the NWMSU Homecoming Parade, where they finished in first place. They also competed in the Hamburg Popcorn Day Parade and received third place, and placed fourth in the Southwest Iowa Band Jamboree in Clarinda, Iowa. The band also marched in a non-competitive parade in Humboldt, Nebraska. Pictured, from left to right, are: first row –  Kendal Straub and Trent Kingery; second row – Amelia Larson, Anna Ohlensehlen, Austin Helfers, and Mason Kingery; third row – Chloe Vernon, Cowen O’Riley, Connor Miller, and Lexi Brown; fourth row – Joaquin Hill, Kendall Kingery, KayDee Duering, and Erin Eyman; fifth row – Kristina Welch, Kenneth Kirkpatrick, Trent Frohn, and Johnny Pickard; and sixth row – Clayton Vernon, Luke Swinehart, and Chase Gayler.  The band is directed by Debra Wyatt. (Submitted photo)

Members of the Fairfax Marching Pride recently enjoyed doughnuts, courtesy of the Fairfax Optimist Club. The Optimist Club appreciates the hard work of the Fairfax R-3 band and director and treats them every year at the end of their marching season. The Fairfax Optimist Club meets on Tuesday mornings at 6:30 a.m. at the Daybreak Cafe. Anyone interested in joining is always welcome to a club breakfast! (Submitted photos)