Organizers of the 51st Cary Band Day decided the show had to go on. The annual event's parade from downtown to Cary High hasn't been canceled in more than a decade, said Sandi Williams, president of the event. There wasn't going to be a break this year. "It's a long and tiring event," Williams said. "But it's well worth it to see how much the students and their parents invest in it."

Ned Gardner, who retired Sunday from Reedy Creek Middle, served as the parade grand marshal. Stan Hill, a spokesman for the event, estimated attendance at nearly 4,500 people, including former Mayor Koka Booth and current Mayor Harold Weinbrecht.

In addition to parade performances by the East Cary Year-Round Middle School Band and the Cary High Alumni Band, the day featured field shows by 31 bands from North Carolina and Virginia. The marching bands of Cary High and Western Carolina University also performed in evening exhibitions.

The West Johnston High Marching Band from Johnston County took top honors in the field competitions, finishing first among three bands selected as the best overall parade bands in the 51st Cary Band Day.

The marching bands of Apex High and Harnett Central High placed second and third, respectively.

West Johnston's band also won the Grand Champion Sweepstakes Trophy. See a list of overall winners here.