MERRILL, Wis. — Every fall the Merrill Marching Jays head out on the road to many competitions across the state, but this year they are traveling with a little something new- a new trailer. Each competition requires the careful packing and transportation of numerous pieces of equipment, props, uniforms, and instruments, and the Marching Jays depend on the use of a semi trailer to get the job done. Last year the marching band received a generous donation from the late Stephany J. Smith that provided them the opportunity to purchase a 53-foot semi trailer to replace their previous trailer, which was no longer road-worthy due many issues resulting from old age. Once the new trailer was obtained, the work began of designing new graphics to go on the trailer’s exterior walls, and building shelving and storage on the interior. As of September 28th, the trailer project was complete and the Marching Jays were able to use their new and improved trailer.
“We were very fortunate and grateful to receive the donations which allowed us to purchase a trailer and equip it for our season’s needs,” says Elli Wilk, Merrill High School Band Director. “Everyone who has worked on this project has been so helpful and knowledgeable, and the students are very excited and proud of their new trailer.”
The Marching Jays’ trailer will be on display to the public during the Homecoming Parade on Saturday, October 5th, 2019, at 11:30 A.M. The Merrill Marching Jays wish to thank the following for their donations and labor to make this project possible: Church Mutual Insurance Company, mBank, the late Stephany J. Smith, Delmer Polak and Great Lakes Western, Inc., Eric Geiss at Aliteral Company LLC., Jerrod Ford, FlipSide Graphics LLC., and Fore-Front Mechanical Inc.