Submitted Photo The WIlliston High School Band is shown at a recent Band Day held in Williston. Photo by Roger Riveland.

WILLISTON – The Williston High School Band will represent North Dakota in the 2026 National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C.

Director John Bisbee said the band was invited to return after marching in the 2024 parade.

“It will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be in Washington, D.C., for the parade, as well as the America 250 celebrations taking place,” Bisbee said. “I believe that it’s important to offer students opportunities such as these, creating lifelong memories with their friends, all through their involvement in music.”

The band was first selected to perform in 2019 by then-Gov. Doug Burgum. Since then, it has remained on the list to represent the state when possible, Bisbee said.

The national parade runs down Constitution Avenue, past the National Archives and the Washington Monument, and ends near the White House.

Students will also visit Smithsonian museums, tour the U.S. Capitol and take part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

“I remind my students to take in their surroundings as we march, as it’s such an extraordinary experience for them, playing their instrument as they march past such important places in the history of America,” Bisbee said.