On Saturday, July 2nd, the Madison Scouts hosted the longest-running drum corps show, Drums on Parade, and introduced the Madison Scouts Hall of Fame. Before the incredible performance, a tailgate was held nearby where alumni, fans, and family came to eat, drink, and celebrate. Over at the stadium, the show featured eight groups and ended with the Madison Scouts Hall of Fame Induction ceremony before the Madison Scouts came back out for their encore.
View of the Scout's afternoon rehearsal
The pre-show tailgate started at 3:30 PM and lasted until the show began. There was enough Spotted Cow and food available for the plenty of alumni, friends, and family in attendance. Also available for sale were the limited-time pint glasses of the year, adorned with the DCI 50th anniversary logo. At 5 PM, we all took a moment to hear Kent Eversmeyer talk about the Madison Scouts Hall of Fame.
The Madison Scouts Hall of Fame is the highest honor to individuals who have participated in the Madison Scouts organization throughout its long history in a way that is beyond the service and leadership expected of them. This year’s inaugural MSAA Hall of Fame inductees included C.H. Beebe, Bill Howard, and Scott Stewart.
“The Madison Scouts Alumni Association is excited to play a key role in establishing and administering the Madison Scouts Hall of Fame,” stated Kent Eversmeyer, committee chairman. “The hall will serve as the vehicle to honor great Madison Scouts and help assure their legacy is preserved and carried forward by creating opportunities for future Scouts to participate.”
At the pre-show tailgate, we all took a moment to raise our glasses to recognize the inductees. Executive Director of the corps, Chris Komnick, gave an excellent history of each individual honored. We were also lucky to have the son of Bill Howard, Billy Howard, at the tailgate, having flown in from Washington. Once everybody learned that he was the son of Bill Howard, Billy was swarmed by a line of people waiting to shake his hand and tell him how they knew his father.
Chris Komnick and Kent Eversmeyer HOF PresentationAt 7 PM, the 2022 edition of Drums on Parade started at the Bank of Sun Prairie Stadium. The show lineup consisted of The Sound of Sun Prairie, Green Beret Marching Band, Colt Cadets, River City Rhythm, Colts, Phantom Regiment, Blue Stars, The Cavaliers, and The Madison Scouts.
The official Hall of Fame induction ceremony happened at Drums on Parade before the Madison Scouts returned for their encore. Executive Director Chris Komnick and MSAA Board Member Kent Eversmeyer stood on the field to introduce the Hall of Fame and the inductees. They explained the legacy of the inaugural class members and how they contributed to the Madison Scouts. At the ceremony were multiple members of C.H. Beebe’s extended family and the son of Bill Howard.
Unfortunately, Scott Stewart could not make the ceremony due to a recent surgery making it hard to walk. However, representatives of the MSAA Brent Turner and Kent Eversmeyer met with him at his home to give him his well-deserved award and thank him for his contributions.
We look forward to the future of the Madison Scouts Hall of Fame!