Deadlines approaching for convention contests

Deadlines approaching for convention contests

The American Legion's annual national convention isn't all meetings and Exhibit Hall exploring - there are awards to be won. One convention tradition is the Color Guard Contest, where post, unit or squadron (or a combination thereof) groups post and retrieve the colors while executing complicated synchronized maneuvers. Another is the Band Contest, where concert bands perform a variety of music.

Deadlines for applications to compete in both contests in Baltimore in August are approaching.

The Band Contest is back in 2015 after a brief hiatus; in addition to the regular Concert Band Class, a new Exhibition Concert Band Class has been added. The entry form is due to National Headquarters in Indianapolis no later than June 1; the competition will be held on Saturday, Aug. 29, at 1 p.m. in Rooms 314-317, Level 300 of the Baltimore Convention Center.

The Color Guard Contest has four classes of competition: Advancing and Retiring, Military, Military Open and Open. The entry form is due to National Headquarters no later than July 24; the contest will be held on Friday, Aug. 28, at 5 p.m. in Swing/Hall F, Level 100 of the Baltimore Convention Center.

Download entry forms for both contests, and get the latest news on other convention events, on the Convention Information page.