Organizers of Enumclaw’s 2009 Christmas 0arade and holiday celebration say bring on the bands.

Cash prizes will be offered to the top three competing school bands at the this year’s Dec. 5 event, hosted by the Mount Rainier Independent Business Alliance. The event theme this year is “Welcome to Candyland!”

Sponsored by Enumclaw Self Storage owner Glen Jensen, first prize of $700, second prize of $200 and third prize of $100 will be awarded by a panel of judges from across King and Pierce counties at the end of the parade. Judges will evaluate participating groups on erformance, musical quality, precision, expression, appearance, choreography and entertainment value.

Each entry will be allowed to perform one number in front of the judges’ stand on Cole Street between Initial and Stevenson avenues. Bands will have the opportunity to show more of their program throughout the parade in downtown Enumclaw.

This event is open to middle and high school programs in western Washington. Parade Coordinator Celia Bender hopes to expand the band battle in future years.

Band application deadline is Nov. 1. Applications are available online at the MRIBA Web site, www.mriba.org.