What happens when some of the best high school bands in the region get together to perform? An event that's full of fun and excitement, said Keara Dagen, co-chair of the Baron Invitational.

"This event is high-energy! It is amazing to witness the hard work of multiple high school marching bands come to fruition on the field," she said. "These schools have all been working on their shows since before school started and put many hours into perfecting not only the music, but an award-winning show."

The Baron Invitational will take place on Saturday, Oct. 25, at Manheim Central High School's Rettew Stadium, 400 Adele Ave., Manheim. Gates are tentatively scheduled to open at 3 p.m. The exact time will be finalized closer to the event.

Eighteen bands will compete in the event, with an additional two performing exhibition shows. Competing bands are from Jersey Shore Area High School, Middletown Area High School, Shamokin Area High School, York Catholic High School, Donegal High School, Big Spring High School, Conestoga Valley High School, Garden Spot High School, Littlestown High School, Twin Valley High School, Conrad Weiser High School, Greencastle-Antrim High School, Lower Dauphin High School, Cedar Crest High School, Eastern York High School, Red Lion Area High School, South Western High School and Warwick High School. Exhibition bands are from Manheim Central High School and Millersville University.

"Last year, there were 12 bands performing - 10 bands competing, plus Manheim Central and Millersville University as exhibition performers," Dagen shared. "We are thrilled that this year we have so many more!"

The event is part of the Cavalcade of Bands competition, which features performances at local football stadiums on weekends from September through early November. Bands receive verbal judged commentary and numeric scores as each school has the opportunity to perform in front of large crowds of spectators. The competition groups bands by division, based on the total number of members.

"Competing with other bands is fun, but most bands get satisfaction out of improving their own scores as the season goes on," Dagen explained. "Since Manheim Central is hosting, they will not be competing. We are excited to host Millersville University's marching band as an exhibition performance again this year, too! We are looking forward to watching a college-level band perform, as our normal week-to-week experience is with other high schools."

Food will be available to purchase at the event and will include hot dogs, walking tacos, soups, french fries and baked goods.

This is the 24th year Manheim Central has hosted the event, and it provides a chance for the bands to hone their skills while also having fun, Dagen said.

"Band members are always looking to grow their individual skills and improve their group performance," she remarked. "Plus, after each band is done performing, they get to watch the other bands perform. There is great camaraderie and support for each other in the marching band community."

The invitational is a fundraiser for the Marching Barons, who will perform their show based on the theme "Cirque Diabolique."

"It's a slightly dark take on the circus," Dagen said. "The show features different aspects of the circus - arriving on a train, performing under the big top, etc. - but also aims to demonstrate the unsettling feeling of something lurking beneath the surface."

Under the direction of John Brackbill, the band includes high school students as well as "Super Freshmen," or eighth-graders who are invited to join the band.

There is an admission charge for the invitational, with separate prices for adults and for students. Proceeds from the event are used by the band booster club to support band programming.

"Some of the financial assistance offered to the marching band through the boosters includes uniforms, music scores, sound equipment, instrument maintenance and support for trips," Dagen noted, adding that the booster club will also accept donations at http://www.mcmarchingbarons.org.

Dagen invites everyone out to the invitational for an entertaining event.

"You will walk away entertained and filled with awe for these young musicians and their directors," she said. "As a bonus, you will be supporting the Manheim Central marching band's school-year programming."