Preston Scout House Band ready to commemorate 85th anniversary

Eighty-five years of history will be on display June 24 as the Preston Scout House Band celebrates a milestone anniversary.

The open house style event is being held at the Preston Legion and will take the community on a trip down memory lane.

Those in attendance will be greeted at one end of the legion by a 17-foot video screen displaying highlights of past celebrations, contests and parades.

At the other end, a slideshow with over 300 photos will play on repeat. In-between tables will be set up with memorabilia from over the years.

“We’re hoping a lot of community people will come out and recall their memories of scout house,” Roy Wilson, president of the Preston Scout House Band, said.

“It’s amazing how many people still have fond memories of the band.”

The band’s roots date back to 1938 when it was formed as an activity for members of the 1st Preston Boy Scout Troop. 

The active group, the Silver Leaves brass ensemble, will be starting its season this coming Saturday in Dunnville. It’s one of over a dozen events between now and Christmas, including the Canada Day parade.

The band began its anniversary festivities earlier this year when they sent horns to youth in Jamaica to give them the opportunity to learn to play music.

The spirit of giving doesn't end there. 

At 4 o’clock on the day of the open house the band will be giving away its annual Wilf Blum scholarship to two high school student that have shown a keen interest in pursuing music. 

The scholarship is named after the founder of the band and is part of its constitution that stipulates it must promote youth music activities in the region. To date, over $10,000 has been given out.

Gathering and paying tribute to the history of the band is its way of showing appreciation for everything people have done to support.

‘It’s our way of saying thank you to the community for their support, especially the business community that have provided funds over the years,” Roy said.

“We’re grateful for what's now the City of Cambridge. The Preston Towne Council was always very supportive and so has the city. With Cambridge celebrating its 50th, it's going to be party time.”

Entry into the event is free and there will be a cash bar and paid barbecue.

The open house will run from 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. at 334 Westminster Dr. N