For a demonstration of the hard work and talent that goes into supporting sports teams, head to the Green Nation Indoor Celebration. The event will be held on Saturday, April 12, at Donegal High School, 1025 Koser Road, Mount Joy. Doors will open at 10 a.m.

"There are 39 units signed up to perform," said Amanda Hess, concessions coordinator for the event. "That's more than last year."

Participating groups will come from Lancaster and surrounding counties in Pennsylvania, as well as from Maryland and Virginia.

"Units of standing and marching percussion, dance teams, baton twirling and multiple levels of color guard will be competing," Hess shared. "Each group will be judged on their performance, based on requirements for their specific section, set by Tournament of Bands - Tournament Indoor Association (TOB/TIA)."

Awards will be presented to each performing unit, with performance scores determined by the judges from TOB/TIA, which will determine what place units earn in their section.

Audience members will have opportunities to support the performers during the event.

"We will have Kudo Grams for purchase so you can personally show your support to a particular performer or an entire group," Hess said. "Items include candygrams, wooden roses and an assortment of small gifts."

Food and drinks will also be available for purchase. "Menu items include, but are not limited to, pulled pork, Buffalo chicken dip, walking tacos, our famous and extremely delicious mac and cheese, soft pretzels, nachos, soup and don't forget the baked goods," Hess stated. "An Italian ice vendor will also be available."

Donegal's indoor color guard, under the instruction of 2017 Donegal grad Yasmin Moyer and color guard consultant Kami Dugan, will participate in the event. The team features 10 students: senior Delaney Witman; juniors and captains Sage Welsh and Liam Nornhold; juniors Gianna Burns, Samantha Alampi, Sophia Lake and Hannah Olewicz; sophomores Madalynn Miller and Julia Rice; and freshman Rowan Bishop.

"These performers have competed in three contests thus far this season, earning third place at Conrad Weiser, second place at Lower Dauphin and first place at Hershey," Hess shared. "Donegal will compete in two more competitions before traveling to Northern York for the Region 6 Championships on April 26. Then it's off to Wildwood, N.J., for the Atlantic Coast Championships, where Donegal placed second in 2019!"

All proceeds from the Green Nation Indoor Celebration will benefit the Donegal Music Association.

"Hosting an event like this takes a tribe," Hess said. "The students and parents volunteer, donate food and drinks, create and assemble props and Kudo Grams and spend innumerable hours planning and putting the show into motion."

She also thanked the event sponsors, which include Dutch Country Hand-Rolled Soft Pretzels, Hummer's Meats, Townlively, The Restaurant Store and Giant Food Stores.

"Every performer from every group puts in countless hours of rehearsal time and dedication in order to perfect their show," Hess said. "Every detail from music, dance, colors, theme and equipment is designed by the instructor and consultant."

Both Donegal color guard captains encourage people to see the team in action and emphasize why they love being a part of the team.

"Color guard is a great way to challenge myself, be expressive and be surrounded by a great community of people," said Liam.

Participation also provides an opportunity to experience teamwork and have fun.

"As a team and individuals, we work extremely hard," Sage said. "(We) are strong-willed and dedicated, which allows us to create incredibly unique performances together."