Siracusano (photo by Will Dendis)
Bob Siracusano, owner of Sawyer Motors, wants to support the new Saugerties Marching Band. He presented his vision for a fundraising event at the Aug. 11 School Board meeting. He said he hoped to raise a minimum of $10,000 with all proceeds going to the band. The event would feature a Frankie Valli tribute band, Lights Out, who have performed at other events hosted by Siracusano, including the car show and Holiday in the Village. The marching band, too, would perform at the fundraising event, and Siracusano says he has visions of how “awesome” it will be to watch them marching down the center aisle of the auditorium.
Siracusano said the band holds a special place in his heart. He remembers in years past watching the former band practice at Cantine Field. He said the community is on board. “Our town wants a marching band,” he said.
He was met with unanimous support. Trustee Florence Hyatt, who called Siracusano “Mr. Saugerties himself,” agreed that the town has embraced this group and wants them to succeed. Board President Robert Thomann said generosity of the kind displayed by Siracusano was a “natural resource” in Saugerties. JoAnn Longendyke, president of the Saugerties Educational Support Association, also thanked Siracusano, calling everything he does “top-shelf.”
The event, which is still in the early planning stages, is scheduled to be held at the high school on Saturday evening, Nov. 21. Tickets will cost $20.