DAY THREE - Thursday, December 30, 1999

    The Oswego High School Marching Buccaneers continued their preparation and countdown to 2000 in the land of the sun in Phoenix, Arizona on Thursday under bright sunny skies and the temperature in the mid 70's. A record was broke this week, as the city of Phoenix has not received any rain for 98 straight days. The Marching Bucs had a day long practice for their final preparation for Friday's 1999 Fiesta Bowl Parade and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona National Band Competition which will be held on Saturday evening January 1,2000. (Photos: pic13, pic14, pic15, pic16, pic17)

    Members of the band and staff were reunited with Molly Galletta, formally of Oswego and now living in Phoenix. Ms. Galletta is a 1995 graduate of the Oswego High School, who played in various band ensembles during her time at OHS. Coincidentally, Ms. Galletta's apartment house was right in the backyard of the practice field where the marching bucs were rehearsing.

    Band Director Bill Palange continued to praise the students for their stamina (pic18) this week in adjusting to the desert weather as bottled water has been the drink of choice for all and sunscreen was spread on anything that moved. Palange reminded the students the importance of water in preparation of the 3.3 mile parade on Friday, as the balmy weather is expected to continue on into the weekend.

    The band members were treated to a wonderful dinner at a Western Rawhide Saloon on Thursday, complete with cowboys, Indians and a bad looking sheriff. This was a time for students to dance, (pic19)walk around, listen to musical entertainment, and shop (pic20, pic21, pic22)at the gift stores.