We associate a number of activities with the fall. Of course, there’s school, football, fall colors, new fall TV lineups and the beginning of hunting season.

But with football season, you can also associate cheerleaders and marching bands. And for these two groups, the fall can be just as competitive and exciting for both groups.

There’s kind of a game within a game for the marching band and cheerleaders. They want to beat their opponents just as bad as the football team does.

They also have their own opportunities to shine by themselves. They will compete in competitions.

While cheerleaders can have competitions all throughout the year, the marching band competition season is usually only in the fall, and mostly during the month of October. Yes, I know they have competitions in late September and early November, but October is probably the busiest month for marching bands.

High schools throughout the state will host their own competitions. Even some of the state’s colleges and universities host their own competitions. In fact, the University of Alabama used to host their own band competition in Bryant-Denny Stadium when the field was still astroturf and you could still see Denny Chimes from inside the stadium. (That dates me a little bit.)

On Saturdays during this month, it’s common to see numerous school buses coming to and from the football fields. And we’re going to see it here in Hartselle this Saturday at J.P. Cain Stadium.

The Hartselle High School Band will host its 16th annual Southern Hospitality Marching Festival this Saturday beginning at 10:45 a.m., when the Hartselle Jr. High School Band will have the opening ceremonies.

The contest will feature at least 16 competition bands, including one dear to my heart – Mortimer Jordan, my high school alma mater. They’ll be competing in the same class as the Brewer High School band. If you see our story in today’s edition, you’ll find out more information about the event.

Probably the most exciting part of the day is at the end when they announce the awards. Everyone is sitting on the edge of his or her seat waiting to see what their ratings are and who won best in class.

Come out to J.P. Cain Stadium and enjoy some good bands.

Brent Maze is the managing editor of the Hartselle Enquirer.