Where and when was your first live corps show?

[denmum]

On 9/17/2025 at 12:06 PM, DanB said:

My first live contest was The Dream Contest in Jersey City NJ in the early 1960’s. My father was a founding member of the NY Skyliners, and many of his friends were either still playing or teaching, so we’d wander around the stadium before the show watching the corps warm up. I was 5 or 6 and I remember seeing Garfield members walking around in their hot, heavy uniforms wearing long maroon capes to help keep their white pants clean. They must have been boiling on those hot, humid Sunday afternoon shows. Those were great shows and wonderful memories with my Pop. 

Same here. I had just finished my Sophomore year in High School (1964) in central PA and some friends invited me along. I was hooked on the activity right there. Four of us (old York White Roses members) recently celebrated 50 DCI Championships together.

[rollinthrurolls]

I cannot remember the exact show. But it was a South Carolina show. before crownbeat was thing. I can't remember the location. The cadets were going to be there. This was before GPS was a common thing, so the lady friend and I had mapquest directions printed out. She missed the exit, and we didn't realize it until about 40 minutes later. When I figured it out, we cut across the interstate median, ran about 100 MPH the entire time and cut off an 18-wheeler to make it to the exit I actually needed. No way in h3ll I was going to miss seeing the cadets live for the first time. We got there just before they went on the field. Lady friend was so ###### at my driving; she dumped me the next day. Totally worth it. 

 

I can't remember the year, the show or anything like that and it kills me now. I remember hanging out in the parking lot after the show and talking with the guy driving the cadets box truck for a bit before they left. He invited me to join him at the next show, but unfortunately due to lady friend drama, I wasn't able to make it.