Ridge High Marching Madness To Return For 2026

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Ridge High School will host its 16th annual "Ridge Marching Madness" home competition on Saturday, Oct. 24.

It will bring 13 high school marching bands from across New Jersey to Bernards Township for a judged showcase of musicianship, precision and showmanship.

The event is a US Bands-sanctioned “Gold Showcase” competition. It will begin at 2:50 p.m. with the William Annin Middle School Wind Ensemble performing the National Anthem, followed by the first competing band at 3 p.m.

The host Ridge Marching Band is scheduled to give the evening’s final performance at 6:50 p.m., and the awards ceremony will follow at 7:20 p.m.

Band Director Dan Zugale said the competition was created to bring the experience of competitive marching band to the township while also helping support the program.

"We started this home competition 16 years ago to bring the sights and sounds of competitive marching band right here to Bernards Township. Over the years, we’ve welcomed thousands of students and families, and thanks to our amazing parent volunteers, our event is known for being exceptionally well run. A competitive marching program requires significant resources, and the revenue we generate from ticket sales and concessions is critical. It keeps participation costs affordable for families while paying for music licensing, uniforms, flags, and specialized instructional staff that make our success possible. We’re on a roll this year with an exciting, competitive show and an incredibly hardworking group of students—I couldn’t be happier with how the season is going, and I hope the community comes out to the home competition to support our students!" said Zugale.

Ridge High School Band Co-Director Julia Fackelman also reflected on the event’s history and her connection to the program.

"It’s crazy to think that this is our 16th home competition when I was part of the 3rd and 4th! Starting as a student in this band and now having the opportunity to co-direct it is such an honor and something I never imagined would happen. Working with these students at every rehearsal has been such a blessing, and seeing the progress they make each and every day is truly wonderful," Fackelman said.

Bands scheduled to appear, in order, are Hopatcong, Parsippany, Delaware Valley Regional, Butler, Morris Knolls, Watchung Hills Regional, Morris Hills, Columbia, Absegami, Nutley, Pequannock Township, Fair Lawn and Northern Valley Regional at Old Tappan.

Tickets will be sold at the Ridge High School performance field entrance for $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors.

Children under 5 will be admitted free, and parking will also be free. Concession stands will be set up between the entrance gate and the performance field.

More information is available at ridgemarchingband.com.

— Courtesy of Naveed Mustafa