By Alison James

For the FCT

A dozen bands will descend on Russellville High School stadium Saturday for the Tri-State Kudzu Klassic “Festival of Bands.”

“It’s a great time to get to see some not only local bands but bands from Mississippi, Tennessee and Georgia,” said RHS band director Gary McNutt. “You get to see the different styles.”

The following bands will compete: Athens High School, Athens; Austin High School, Decatur; Brewer High School, Somerville; Brindlee Mountain High School, Guntersville; Curry High School, Jasper; Corinth High School, Corinth, Miss.; Fort Payne High School, Fort Payne; Hamilton High School, Hamilton; Hardin County High School, Savannah, Tenn.; Heritage High School, Ringgold, Ga.; and Rogers High School, Florence.

The welcoming ceremonies will begin at 4 p.m., and the first band will take the field about 4:15 p.m. The Russellville Marching Hundred will perform in exhibition about 8 p.m., immediately preceding the awards ceremony.

Admission to the Tri-State Festival will be $5. (Children ages 6 and under get in free). Ticket gate will be the upper gate behind the press box.

Parking will be $5 and includes one Kudzu Klassic “Festival of Bands” Program. Handicapped parking and seating are also available.

McNutt said people should also be sure to check out the full menu of grilled hamburgers, pizza, hot dogs, nachos, funnel cakes and more available at the concession stand, located behind the stands by the upper gate.