JAMESTOWN. N.Y. -- The Jamestown High School Red Raider Marching Band boarded a bus for Chicago Thursday to march in the annual St. Patrick's Day parade on Saturday.
The school was accepted last year after filling out an extensive application, complete with a video and letters of recommendation.
"We've been having a countdown going and so, the day's finally here," said Meghan Murray, Jamestown High School band director.
Not only will the band march, but it'll also stop along the parade route and perform for the crowd. The group will also tour the city, including a museum visit, dinner cruise and performance by the Blue Man Group.
"Our parade route is right along the river. They turn the river green. And I just thought it would be something different that the kids might not normally be able to experience. So I thought this might be a city that they might not normally go to," said Murray.
"I think it's going to be amazing," said Andrew Roof, Marching Band drum major.
The students have been practicing for the big event since early last month.
"I've been on trips with the a cappella to Washington. I went with the band to Disney my eighth-grade year, but I think marching in this parade is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime thing," said Roof.
"Absolutely, I've been looking forward to this. I know that the adventures we're going to go on are just going to be so memorable, especially with these people that we've grown so close to," said Abrielle Mistretta, Jamestown High School junior.
The parade will be streamed online starting at 1 p.m.
The band is expected back in Jamestown Monday night.