Our Hometown
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Marion Red Caps celebrate 50 years In June 1957 the band was officially started by Ken Merton and Roger Adriaansen. It was then known as the Marion Fire Department Band, as they played for the firemen at many, many parades. There were 28 members. Leon Shippers of 'Goossen and Company' provided assorted plaid shirts for the band and the members provided grey pants and red caps and ties, thus the 'Red Caps' were formed. The band played at all local parades for the Marion Firemen and soon were asked to play for other parades not attended by Marion Firemen. They played for East Rochester Fire Department, St. Paul Firemen, The Apple Blossom parade in Williamson, the Sauerkraut Festival in Phelps and many others. They were known to have bought out the tickets for the Ferris wheel in Farmington, playing 'Beer Barrel Polka' while enjoying the ride. They also received an invitation from Old Forge to play for their Festival Parade, which was a fun weekend for the band. Photo by Ken Merton shows many of the band members at the recent Wayne County Fair.
Herb White and Ken Robie were still playing in the band, past their 80th birthdays. There is a display at the Marion Museum; stop in and see it while you enjoy the festival September 8.
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Ed DeHulla of Sodus is the last original member and still plays with the Red Caps. Gordon and Roger Adriaansen are the last charter members to retire from the band.