Flooding Butler Stadium’s parking lot with bright red, the Mighty Cardinal Band spreads school spirit at Bellaire’s annual tailgate. It was held on Saturday, Oct. 21 before the homecoming game.

One of the many clubs and sports that attended the tailgate, the marching band set up a booth and participated in the offered activities, including face painting and games like ping-pong and cornhole.

“My favorite part of the tailgate was walking around with my friends and seeing the booths,” freshman and clarinet player Sierra Little said. “And the food was really good.”

Along with the free food, another reason fellow band member and senior John Hotra enjoyed the tailgate was because it meant more time with friends.

“The band community is pretty good,” Hotra said. “Just having more time to talk and hang out was nice.”

After the tailgate, the marching band entered the stands of the stadium to play during the game.

“I think the band helps school spirit by playing songs that get people pumped, especially when we play songs that are popular or really upbeat,” Little said.

Some of these “upbeat” songs included “All I Do is Win,” “Power” and “Call Out.”

Hotra also liked playing these songs during the game.

“Playing instruments is pretty fun in general,” Hotra said. “The band just looks good in the stands and being able to hear your own band play for you is a nice feeling.”

Although playing instruments was their main focus, Little felt the game was fun for reasons completely unrelated to the band.

“I liked being at the game because I got to cheer for the football team and watch the Belles perform,” Little said. “I also liked getting to see the homecoming court.”

Experiencing the homecoming events with the band was especially memorable to junior Abigail Turney.

“I didn’t go to the dance, so I was glad to have still made some great memories with my friends,” Turney said. “Both the game and the tailgate were so fun, and the band made them even better.”