MANKATO — The stands at Minnesota State University’s Blakeslee stadium are usually empty for the summer, but Tuesday evening, as top drum and bugle corps from across the Midwest took center field, they were completely packed.
And the water tent almost ran out of water — twice.
The 32nd annual Kiwanis Thunder of Drums show featured Phantom Regiment, Madison Scouts, the Colts, the St. Peter Govenaires, River City Rhythm and Colt Cadets along with a pre-show performance by the 204th Army Rock Band.
Audiences of families, friends and dedicated supporters roared for supreme music, marching and color guard routines while brass and percussion players nailed intricate, themed routines.
River City Rhythm, from Anoka Minnesota, utilized props, detailed costumes and a coordinating soundtrack to build the setting for their show, “Mine,” which featured music by Taylor Swift, Jessie J and Ed Sturgill.
Lori Poirot attended for the first time last summer and she doesn’t come to support a specific performer, but for “the whole thing.” This year, she invited Wayne Lutterman to come too.
“It was so amazing last year, so I brought him,” she said. “It’s just a great show and I can’t believe they do it all in the heat. They’re moving around and playing, not just standing there.”
On average, the event brings more than 3,000 spectators and 600 performers to Mankato every summer and most corps continue to compete following the showcase.