The Kulm City Band in 1946. Courtesy of Kulm City Band

KULM, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Unable to properly celebrate 125 years of organization, the Kulm City Band have respectfully called their big celebration 125 years + 1 as they gather for a weekend-long event.

City or community bands were a common site in the United States that often emerged from militia or military bands in the 1800’s. The Kulm City Band was formed in 1895 and other than a few random years, has kept up membership with alumni, community, and surrounding area performers.

Marla Berntson plays percussion for the band and has been involved for numerous years.

Berntson says they’ve been very active and members also play in the pep band. She pointed out that Kulm has always been a very musical community.

Members come from as far as Bismarck and Fargo to practice once or twice a week on Sundays and Wednesdays for the summer. Berntson says they’ll have new music this year because its the 125th celebration. The upcoming celebration will explore the bands history, to which Berntson says there are more than 111 pages of documentation.

Wes Gackle is president of the group and has played Trombone with the band since he was 13 years-old.

Gackle said having one of the state’s longest running city bands is very prideful for their community.

Gackle remembers when the Whitestone Hill historic site celebrated their 100th year, the Kulm City Band performed in one of his earliest memories with the group.

A celebration is planned this weekend in Kulm for the community and band. On Friday, the opening ceremony will begin at 5 PM with a City Band concert and story about their history. Then a street dance beginning at 9. Saturday there will be multiple happenings including a Airport Fly-in breakfast, parade, City Band Concert, and another street dance. Things wrap-up Sunday with a Dollars for Scholars breakfast and community church service.

For more information, like the Kulm City Band on Facebook.