The Union Pines Marching Vikings will be hosting the 14th annual Viking Classic marching band competition on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 3 to 8 p.m., at Union Pines High School.

Admission to the event is $5, and several concessions will offer a variety of food. This is a major fundraiser that will enable the Marching Vikings to purchase new instruments, uniforms, needed equipment, and to cover transportation costs.

There will be 12 bands in the competition ranging from Class 1A to Class 4A. The first band will take the stage at 3:15 p.m., and many more bands will follow, with an awards ceremony for all classes at 7:45 p.m.

The Union Pines Marching Vikings will be performing an exhibition before the awards ceremony. Dr. Susan Purser, superintendent of Moore County Schools, will be presenting the trophies.

This year, the Marching Vikings present "Spices," a four-movement show representing the flavors and origins of the cultures of France, Greece and Italy, China, and India. The Marching Vikings represent the flavor and origins of these various cultures with marching and music, and take the field under the direction of Rob Hill.

The assistant director is Jessica Traversino, the color guard instructor is Julie Brown, and the percussion instructor is Wayne Osborne.

The 2006 student drum majors are Skyler Winkler, Maggie Powers, and Clint Fields, who are responsible for directing the band while performing on the field.

The brass captain is Mary Trout, the woodwind captain is Lauren Williams, the sideline percussion captain is Kyle Mclean, the field percussion captain is Jewell Case, and the color guard captain is Danyell Dewitt.

"The Marching Vikings are having a spectacular year and have placed in every competition entered thus far for class 4A and 5A, the biggest divisions," says a spokesman.

This year, the band has competed at Albemarle and Clinton, and will continue to compete this season at Bluestone in Virginia, and at the Brick Capital Classic in Sanford.

The awards to date include all Superior Ratings, and first place for the following areas: hornline, color guard, general effect, marching and maneuvering, music, and visual effect. The Marching Vikings have also received second place in overall Class 4A and Class 5A competitions, to include the runner-up Grand Champion Trophy for second highest overall score of the day and the Peoples Choice Award voted on by the audience for favorite band of the day, where up to 25 bands have competed.

"Hill, parents, and Union Pines High School are extremely proud of the students for their hard work, dedication, and positive attitude, which have contributed to a successful marching season," says the spokesman. "Thanks to all the local businesses and parents that contributed to making this year's Viking Classic a success."

The annual fruit fundraiser is currently underway.

The Union Pines band students are selling fresh Florida fruit from now until Nov. 14. The fruit will be delivered in early December.

"If you are interested in fresh Florida fruit and supporting the band, contact any Union Pines band member or Mr. Hill at Union Pines High School," says the spokesman.