This year's festival will be held on December 27th, 2016. High caliber adjudication and professional video taping of each group's performance make this event one of the best in the state. Newly installed Astroturf Gameday 3D performance surface, a gigantic video scoreboard, and a elevated concession concourse which allows everyone to keep an eye on the competition are all features of a truly unique performance facility. Classes are created by use of school enrollment numbers to provide balanced and like-size competition. A prelim format is used for the field competition. Caption awards are given to recognize outstanding music, marching, auxiliary, and percussion. A Sweepstakes trophy is also awarded to the highest scoring band competing in field competitions.