This is a season of birthdays for Drum Corps International corps. The Open Class' Impulse and Teal Sound are celebrating their first decade. In the World Class the Blue Knights and Troopers have 50 years under their belts, the Cavaliers have been going strong for 60, and the Madison Scouts are celebrating 70 years of brotherhood. Here are some of the galas, banquets, and other events that these corps are hosting in celebration of their decades-long traditions of excellence.




Blue Knights



Thursday, July 10 - Family picnic



The Blue Knights' alumni weekend kicks off with a picnic for alumni and their families at Lakeside Amusement Park in Denver. Attendees can bring their own picnic dinner to enjoy at the pavilion.



Friday, July 11 - Pep rally and happy hour



On Friday, the Blue Knights will give a preview performance for families, friends, and fans in Denver. This prelude to the Drums Along the Rockies contest on Saturday has a "pep rally" atmosphere, though there's no bonfire involved to clash with all the blue fans will be wearing!



Saturday, July 12 - Drums Along the Rockies tailgate



Then, on Saturday before the Blue Knights take the field, the corps' alumni association will hold what promises to be a tailgate party worthy of the organization's golden anniversary. Fans will get another chance to see the 2008 Blue Knights perform, with a dinner consisting of both backyard barbecue and favorites from the cook truck.



Learn more about all of these events on BKnights.org.




The Cavaliers



Banquet and Don Warren tribute



A celebration of the 60 years of the Cavaliers and of the tireless commitment of Don Warren, the corps' president and founder, will take place at a banquet in his honor on Sunday, Aug. 3 in Rosemont, Ill. A ticket to the event includes a two-hour cocktail reception with cash bar and a silent auction, an elegant gourmet dinner, a live auction during the dinner, a special tribute to the history of the Cavaliers and the years of effort from Don Warren, a complimentary gift, and free event parking.



This is a chance to be a part of the greatest celebration of the Cavaliers and the man who's responsible, and to take away a piece of memorabilia from either of the auctions, including some from the personal collection of Warren. Tickets are $95 per person and should be purchased online in advance.



Learn more about the banquet at Cavaliers.org.




Impulse



Anniversary party and tour kickoff



On July 26, Impulse will be having a Family and Alumni Anniversary Party to celebrate the start of their tour. Family, friends, former members and staff are all invited for a reunion luncheon. Those in attendance will be encouraged to see the individual sections up close as they perform their 2008 show "The Game." This celebration is tentatively scheduled to be held at the Palm Springs Community Center, at 1901 E. Baristo Road in Palm Springs, Calif.



ImpulseYouthArts.org




Madison Scouts



70th anniversary banquet



It's not too early to order tickets to the Madison Scouts' 70th anniversary banquet, to be held September 26-27 at the Kalahari Resort in the Wisconsin Dells. All current and former members, staff, volunteers, alumni, sponsors and fans are invited to come and enjoy the festivities.



The weekend kicks off with a social gathering, giving friends time to catch up before casino games and videos. The next morning Madison Scouts executive director Jeff Spanos will deliver a "state of the corps" address and hold a question and answer session, providing an opportunity to recap the 2008 season and share plans for the future of the organization.



The banquet kicks off the evening of the 27th with a cocktail hour from 5 to 6 p.m. The banquet is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m., emceed by longtime DCI announcer Brandt Crocker. The evening will include a special tribute to members of the 2008 Madison Scouts, as well as alumni from the 1988 season who were a part of the corps' 50th anniversary, European tour, and DCI Championship victory. Tickets for the banquet are $35 per person, with a reduced rate of $20 for members of the 2008 Madison Scouts.



Learn more at MadisonScouts.org




Troopers



50th Anniversary celebration and alumni corps



The Trooper Alumni Association will host the corps' official 50th Anniversary celebrations on July 11 in Cheyenne, Wyo. and July 12 in Denver, Colo.



Friday, July 11, the Troopers are in Cheyenne, Wyo. for a special "Thank you, Wyoming" performance and alumni are gathering from across this nation to join together and relive their Troopers experience. A barbecue in the early afternoon will be followed by an alumni performance with the 2008 Troopers. The cost for the event will be $50 per person or $45 each for couples.



Saturday July 12, the focus turns to Denver, Colo. for the "Troop Whoop 2008." This event saw nearly 350 attendees last year, and alumni are invited once again to join together for a social gathering before the Drum Along the Rockies show .



Learn more at alumni.Troopersdrumcorps.org