Local high school marching bands wrapped up their 2016 competition season with a successful Saturday.

For the 41st straight year, the Pella Marching Dutch earned a “I” superior rating–the highest possible score, in the Iowa High School Music Association State Marching Band Contest. PCM and North Mahaska also earned superior ratings at the Pella state site. Knoxville received a “II” excellent mark as well.

The Marching Dutch, Panthers, and Mustangs all competed in the Mid-Iowa Band Championship in Ankeny for their final performances of the season. Pella, despite a hard rain falling during most of their performance, took the top spot among all bands, including those from 4A, and earned top color guard and drumline.