LISBON — The Lisbon Golden Knights Marching Band preformed for campers and beach-goers Friday evening at the Lisbon Beach against the brilliant backdrop of the Saint Lawrence River set ablaze by the setting sun.

As the evening cool provided relief from a muggy day, the marching band demonstrated a series of complex maneuvers and songs for a leisurely crowd – many of whom had not expected the performance.

But the Golden Knights have been selected to participate in next year’s National Independence Day Parade in Washington D.C., a far cry from the quiet beach where Friday’s performance afforded a low-stress concert. Next year the marching band fielding roughly 40 members, including the color guard, will represent the entire state of New York.

“It was a long shot, and we went for it,” said Sheila Newtown, co-chair of the band booster club, of the selection.

Pulling for the Knights were local and state representatives, including Rep. William Owens. The honor, however, is not without its cost. A $15,000 fee must be paid off by May 10, 2013, in order for the Knights to take part.

Fund raising has already begun.

“We had a bottle drive last week; we raised over $1,500,” said Alison Crowley, a recent graduate of Lisbon Central School headed to the Rochester Institute of Technology but who will be allowed to march in next year’s parade.

Band director Glenn Roberts said they had collected 30,000 bottles in the effort.

Asked how he is going to prepare for the big day, Mr. Roberts said he plans on “working the kids hard,” and generally ensuring that both he and the students know the material inside and out.

The band has a slew of upcoming fund raising activities they hope will enable them to meet the May deadline, including setting up an account at Perry’s for bottle deposits (just identify the cans as donations to the band); a St. Lawrence Federal Credit Union donation account listed as Lisbon Marching Band; and they will also accept donations mailed to Julie Snyder, 2 McBath Rd., Ogdensburg, NY 13669.

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