On the heels of the DCI World Championships this past August, a contingent of the All-Age Class Columbus Saints returned to Indianapolis, September 27, to march in the 41st edition of the Circle City Classic Parade.
Organized by Indiana Black Expo, the parade annually serves as a precursor to the Circle City Classic, a football game hosted in downtown Indianapolis featuring competitors from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU). 2025’s game featured Miles College (Fairfield, Alabama) versus Morgan State University (Baltimore).
“We are incredibly excited and humbled to be part of the Circle City Classic, an event that celebrates Black excellence and culture in such a powerful way,” said Marshall Cheatham, CEO and founder of the Columbus Saints and an alum of Tennessee State University. “This is a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between different styles of marching arts, showcasing the precision and musicality of drum corps while honoring the rich traditions of the HBCU marching band experience.”
Saturday’s performance marked the Saints’ first appearance at the parade since 2011, and according to executive director Le Ron Carlton, the group is the only DCI-affiliated corps to be represented in the event’s more than four-decade history.
The Circle City Classic is known for its high-energy atmosphere, often featuring HBCU marching bands, steppers, dance teams, and community organizations from across the Midwest. Tens of thousands of spectators line the streets of downtown Indianapolis each year for the parade, making it one of the region’s most prominent showcases of Black culture and artistry.
The Columbus Saints, founded in 2003, have long emphasized accessibility and community engagement as part of their mission. In addition to competing in DCI’s All-Age Class, the group runs educational programs and community performances throughout Ohio. Participation in the Circle City Classic fits directly into that mission, exposing new audiences to the drum corps activity while celebrating the heritage of HBCU-style marching.
Photos from the 41st Circle City Classic Parade: mirrorindy.org | indystar.com
