We are Dorothy and Callie, sisters who live in West Michigan. We play the sousaphone and the mellophone in the Northern Lights Marching Band.

Every year the Northern Lights Marching Band is delighted to march in a Fourth of July parade. The past four years we’ve marched in the Grandville, Richland, Cascade, and Schoolcraft (Michigan) parades. 2026 will be unique, since it is the 250th anniversary of the birth of our wonderful country.

The Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia 250 years ago next July. The city of Philadelphia is inviting bands from all over America to march in an extensive 2.4 mile, 4-hour long parade to celebrate. Philadelphia has invited Northern Lights Marching Band to march July 3, 2026 in its celebration parade. The next day, July 4, we’ll be marching in the Fourth of July parade in Glenside, Pennsylvania, one of the longest running July 4th parades in the nation.

We have begun preparing for this historic occasion, which is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us. We are asking you to help us as we represent West Michigan in this national parade. You can find out more about the trip here .

Since Northern Lights Marching Band is part of West Michigan Homeschool Fine Arts , which is a non-profit organization, it cannot legally help individuals with their unique expenses for this trip. The two of us are seeking help to pay some of the costs for our lodging.

Will you please help us march in Philly's historic parade?

Thank you for your support!