60-member Castlewood band to march in Chicago Eds: APNewsNow.

CASTLEWOOD, S.D. (AP) The 60-member Castlewood Marching Band had been rejected from playing Chicago's Thanksgiving Day Parade because it was too small. But the band just wouldn't take no for an answer.

Director Vicki Bjerke (BYUR'-kee) says she called many people, found video of a Castlewood band competition, put together an audio-video presentatation and sent it in.

The band was accepted immediately.

Band members have been working in concession stands and plan to make Christmas wreaths in order to raise another $6,000, for a total of $34,000 for the trip. They've also been selling food in their community.

Bjerke says one of the challenges for smaller bands is being heard above the crowd and other bands. But she says she isn't worried about marching in the mile-long parade because her kids "are really good marchers." Information from: Watertown Public Opinion, http://www.thepublicopinion.com (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 09-19-09 1125CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list