Let The Good Times Roll — Flomaton Hurricane Style

February 21, 2012

The Flomaton High School Hurricane Band took part in the Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade this morning.

For more photos, scroll down the page.

NorthEscambia.com photos by Alisa Hart, click to enlarge.

Comments

32 Responses to “Let The Good Times Roll — Flomaton Hurricane Style”

  1. Tara on February 23rd, 2012 12:15 pm

    I love that band and the kids in it! They work so hard year round, nearly fainting in the summer heat to get ready for football season. They sacrifice other social events through the year to participate in band. Doing a Mardi Gras parade was fun for them and a reward for their hardwork throughout the year, and in no way meant to be anything sinister. I, personally, am not really into Mardi Gras but it’s part of the culture, living where we do. Everyone has an opinion and thank God we live in a country where we can express ours. I am proud to be associated with the band and proud of my daughter, that is a member, and all of her band friends!

  2. FHS alumni on February 23rd, 2012 10:45 am

    To Dietrich I can’t believe you would come on here and tell the band that you are disappointed in them. that is so stupid to say… they are kids and were having a good time and they did nothing wrong with attending that parade. you have no right judging anyone on what they do and I hate what you said last in your comment. Well know for sure you will be disliked by many especially me not that I ever have anyway. I was in the band and will always support the FHS band in whatever they do and so surprised that you don’t also since you were in it… you should always support your school and band that you attended.

  3. parade attender on February 22nd, 2012 6:08 pm

    ok so i went ot this parade very clean family orientied there was a christian group playing music giving out cd to the crowd and they wasnt the only church in the parade i saw more christian worship groups in that parade than i have ever seen in any parade at flomaton and this past year i can say i saw a few floats in flomaton with red solo cups hmm but there in flomaton guess there ok but wait out band was marching in that to so what makes the madi gras parade wrong when it can go on in your own home town i say go fhs to more madi gras parades next year and represent the school .there where serveral other high school bands also a twirling group it was a GREAT parade sorry the town of flomaton cant put something together like that and bring people into the town for family fun sad sad town …….

  4. Hurri Cane on February 22nd, 2012 3:33 pm

    I am curious Mr. Linam, where did your “students” attend a Mardi Gras parade? Downtown New Orleans on Bourbon Street? Well, yea, I would agree some of the goings on there are not for Christians or children for that matter…However, the parades in my area, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are harmless, good, clean fun! Sure, every once in a while you’ll have some nit wit that has decided to intoxicate himself and act foolishly…but if you’ve ever been to a college or NFL football game, you’ve seen them there as well! Those kids were very proud of getting to represent their small town in the parade yesterday and the comments that you and Mr. Bondurant made were childish…Yes, they were your beliefs and you are entitled to them, but to post them publicly for those kids to see and make them feel like what they had accomplished was sinful or terrible is just flat out childish! Regardless if you posted your name or not, it was still very tacky to do! If you have a problem with them partaking in the parade, contact the school and voice your opinion and let the kids be! I, for one, used to attend FHS and participated in sports there and have always been proud of my school and band and will continue to do so. I was so proud to tell my co-workers yesterday the band was from my old hometown! Like my Grandmama used to say, “If you can’t say anything nice about someone, don’t say anything at all!” Wise, wise woman!

  5. Dennis HE Wiggins on February 22nd, 2012 1:41 pm

    Mssrs. Bondurant & Linam ~ lay off the band already. I marched under the direction of Mr. Lambert in Atmore. We participated in miscellaneous events, and I turned out fine. I respect God & can say Mr. Lambert nnever allowed us to do anything unethical. Band taught me things that nothing else in school did – importance of punctuality; team work; self-respect; PRIDE in self, school, & community. I have never read about band members being charged with raping a minor or walking down the road shooting out windows. But i have read of football players doing those things. But this county treats football as a religion of its own ~ EVERYTHING – even halloween (that other satanic holiday) – is planned around FOOTBALL! Lay off the band.

  6. no stones on February 22nd, 2012 1:28 pm

    If Jesus were in Gulf Shores yesterday, theres’s not a doubt in my mind from scriptural evidence that He would have been at that Mardi Gras parade! John 3:17 says it all. Remember it wasn’t the sinners celebrating in the streets that Jesus rioted in judgement and wrath, it was the professing church folks in the House of God. Judgement begins there, always. Jesus has called Christians to be “fishers of men”. We are to go fishing, but He supplies everythings else, and cleans the fish Himself. When we forget that, we only scare the fish away. Sadly, there was probably more love at the Mardi Gras parade than at many of our churches…. maybe some fish have been scared away by some well-intending people who forgot that they themselves are fish also.

  7. FlomatonHurricane on February 22nd, 2012 7:14 am

    This article is about how proud of the band the community is, yes? Then WHY do these “mature” adults feel the need to come onto something that people are proud of and bash us?
    I mean, if they had a better (so called) “life” then they would just turn up their snooty little noses and move on. But no, it seems the band can’t do anything correct nowadays.
    So, Mr. Bondurant and Mr. Linam, its great that you believe in God. As do we. We have a reputation, not of being non-believers or drugs heads and alchoholics. But of being a great band, lead by a great man. If you don’t want to take your “3 children” to this parade, Mr. Linam then don’t. Noone said you had to, now did they? So please, stick your snooty little ;(trumpetplaying) nose in the air, walk away and be done with it. You two seem to be the only ones with a problem. Make something of your life instead of ragging on children.

  8. Jane on February 22nd, 2012 3:37 am

    There are certainly a lot of opinions on Mardi Gras. And here I thought it was just a parade for fun!

  9. Dr. Kevin R. Linam on February 21st, 2012 10:04 pm

    “praise God we have the right of Freedom Of Speech! However, when someone chooses to hide behind religion to make hurtful & childish comments & remarks, that free speech I speak of is being taken for granted! Especially when it is being used to speak of children! ”

    Dont see any” hiding here or hurtful or childish comments”.

    Mardi Gras is not an activity for “believers”! It is not innocent fun! I stand by that!!!

    My comments are about “Mardi Gras”! Not students-but the revelers!

    I have listened to my students tell me about Mardi Gras for 29 years as a teacher, with horror and unbelief, and I would never take my own 3 children around these behaviors!!!

    I added my name and email address as not to hide behind the internet!!

  10. FHS Alumni on February 21st, 2012 9:05 pm

    Mr. Bondurant & Dr. Linam, first of all, I would like to say, it is a free country & praise God we have the right of Freedom Of Speech! However, when someone chooses to hide behind religion to make hurtful & childish comments & remarks, that free speech I speak of is being taken for granted! Especially when it is being used to speak of children! Secondly, none of us are free from sin, so why should we want to cast stones & judge or condemn someone else? Again, children none the less? Thirdly, Mr. Bondurant, I myself, have seen you drive down the road “tooting” away at your trumpet, while driving I might add! Now, is this not endangering the lives of others as well as yourself by doing this? So, in my opinion, before you condemn these children for doing something completely harmless & innocent, you may want to take a look at some of the actions you choose to partake in! The parade they were in today had many Christian floats, teenagers preaching the gospel over loudspeakers & passing out DVD’s and scriptures! They were telling people to not give up, that God loves them & had people clapping & cheering for them as they went by! As well as for the FHS band that represented our school & community well!

  11. Janelle Balazs on February 21st, 2012 8:26 pm

    I was in the FHS band over 40 years ago. We always marched in the Mobile Mardi Gras parade and stayed over night for 2 days of parades! This during a time when we could say the Lord’s prayer in school. The entire community supported us , as it should now.

  12. senior 2012 on February 21st, 2012 7:08 pm

    lolololol are you kidding me? mr boundrant your so godly why are you stressing out because the FHS band got to go march in a parade and honor our school? seriously. everyone knows your most likely like any other “hardcore christian” nothing but a hyprocriete. im proud of our band that they got to go do this. they worked so hard to get where they are. and just because your a idiot dont think its gunna hurt anyones feelings. it doesnt do anything but make the students of fhs mad because your so igorant. so how about you grow up and practice what you preach.

    go canes. and again, im proud of the band(:

  13. PROUDbandmember on February 21st, 2012 6:26 pm

    I’m very proud of our band.
    I do love the lord.
    Mardi Gras isn’t “such a terrible thing”.
    We pray before everything we do, Mr. Bondurant. If I may point out, you’re the adult here. You shouldn’t be putting down us teenagers.
    I’m excited that everyone there loved us. It shows how hard we work. If you can’t realize that, then why even start something?
    And I’m almost positive you’ve probably shaken your hand in the face of God almighty. So let’s not spit in the wind here.
    I love my Canes,<3

  14. No Stones on February 21st, 2012 4:52 pm

    Every person alive including the accusers who started this thread have ALL shook there fist in the face of God almighty. Regardless of whether you think Mardi Gras is good or bad, what matters is God’s love and mercy toward us ALL. We all are in need of grace. Don’t curse the darkness, let your light shine. It is God’s love that leads us all to saving grace.

  15. Smh!!!! on February 21st, 2012 4:49 pm

    If someone thinks that a group of children being supervised by adults would participate in the drinking and such, it is a sad society. We were being watched and as a matter of fact, there were floats for churches in the parade. So these hypocrites that keep bashing on the band need to chill and let us have fun! We were representing our school. We aren’t being devil-worshipers by participating, and we prayed right before it started.

  16. Mary Blair on February 21st, 2012 4:49 pm

    My son plays in the FHS Band & my husband &I were there wirh them, &I can tell you that the spectators got more enjoyment from our band than any float in the parade. When the floats passed, all they wanted was the beads; when the band came by, they smiled, clapped, & cheered & stated what an awesome band we wete,& how good the drumline was.
    There was one float, put at the END of the parade I might add, that had young people preaching & testifying for GOD. Mr. Bondurant, God was all over that parade today, & HE expects us to serve HIM in all that we do, including allowing our children to march in a Mardi Gras parade.
    Lastly, our band DID pray before they marched & I KNOW that GOD was in the midst of them.
    Have a blessed day.

  17. Fhs student on February 21st, 2012 4:34 pm

    whoever is writing about FHS has no respect just bc you believe what you doesnt mean we are shaking our fist at the devil.

  18. FHS Band Saxophone Player on February 21st, 2012 4:33 pm

    Really people this is nonsense we have worked hard to get to this point. And you so called Christians dont judge us because if you were such a christian you would know that in the bible it says that ONLY God can judge us. And Btw we still Love the lord and we made it home safe from Gulf Shores and had a great time. GOD WAS WITH US !

  19. gracie on February 21st, 2012 4:26 pm

    Awe these are so amazing had so much fun

  20. Concerned Citizen on February 21st, 2012 4:25 pm

    People have their choices to do it. If someone doesn’t believe in God, do they pitch a fit about doing a Christmas concert? No. They go along with it. So should that does believe in God pitch a fit about doing a Mardi Gras parade? No.

  21. Kenya Grersham on February 21st, 2012 4:23 pm

    My child plays in the FHS Band and I am so proud of him. The band members are all hard working and respresent our school in a positive way. WE should be making positive comments and leaving the judging to God! Way to go FHS Band, you did great!!!

  22. Music Lover on February 21st, 2012 3:01 pm

    Congrats FHS Band on sharing your musical abilities and celebrating a small part of our cultural heritage in this country. You brought smiles to faces with your talents and that’s a very positive thing. Bravo.

  23. latisha on February 21st, 2012 2:42 pm

    As someone who believes in GOD, I don’t see the harm in the children marching in the parade! Better than the kids running the street causing problems and getting into trouble! Plus they are using their GOD given talent and sharing it with the community! WAY TO GO FHS band members! Keep up the great work!

  24. hedonistic on February 21st, 2012 12:54 pm

    The short definition of Mardi Gras: The wild party before the 40 short days you give up something you probably shouldn’t be doing anyway.

    ps. most people who partake in the Mardi Gras part do no participate in the Lenten season.

  25. Drumlinefhs on February 21st, 2012 12:27 pm

    So we are going to hell for representing our school? Wow

  26. Band student on February 21st, 2012 12:20 pm

    There is absolutely nothing wrong with us marching in this parade. All people have been doing is raging on the FHS band. You mad bro? I mean seriously there is nothing wrong with us going to represent our school and entertain the public. Also we pray before every performance. Does that sound like devil worshiping to you?

  27. Dee on February 21st, 2012 12:20 pm

    Hard work payed off! These kids could have been drinking or in to drugs! Don’t judge others, especially our kids that are doing something besides getting into trouble.

  28. Band member on February 21st, 2012 12:18 pm

    Oh so your trying to tell me that just because I marched in a parade that I’m going to hell?? I’m pretty sure the only person that can judge that is God! Did we march down the streets telling people to worship the devil? No, we didn’t! Mardi Gras is harmless!

  29. LeeAnna McCall on February 21st, 2012 12:02 pm

    I think anything that can be done or said has the ability to be for “good” or “evil”. If God can turn a woman of ill repute into a Christian, I am curious as to why Christians are limiting God… Anything can be traced back to where it stemmed from originally, but if you do that with somethings… Should you not do it with all? I am Cajun and my family celebrates Mardi Gras… We take the time to spend with our family cooking, eating, visiting and enjoying life. I don’t think it’s the act itself that is wrong… But the intentions behind the actions. People gag at a gnat and swallow a camel. I think the band should be respected for stepping out and doing something different… And from the pictures, it looks like it was clean family fun. I would much rather my child playing in a band for school in a parade as opposed to much other activities that are “worldly”. God knows the heart of everyone! These kids were just having fun!!!

  30. fhsgrad on February 21st, 2012 11:49 am

    Just to let you know Mardi Gras is spun off of Christian events, here is the true definition: Mardi gras is French for Fat Tuesday, referring to the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season, which begins on Ash Wednesday; in English the day is sometimes referred to as Shrove Tuesday, from the word shrive, meaning “confess.”[6] Related popular practices are associated with celebrations before the fasting and religious obligations associated with the penitential season of Lent. Popular practices include wearing masks and costumes, overturning social conventions, dancing, sports competitions, parades, etc. Similar expressions to Mardi Gras appear in other European languages sharing the Christian tradition. In English, the day is called Shrove Tuesday, associated with the religious requirement for confession before Lent begins. But what other people have turned it into has nothing to do with the fact that FHS band was displaying their talent for the community. These are teenagers that are proud of the hard work that they do. I do not believe that Scott Hammond, Mr. Lambert nor the Board of Education would allow students to participate in “unGodly” events. Just saying, GO CANES!!!

  31. Dr. Kevin R. Linam on February 21st, 2012 11:30 am

    Dietrich you are so right-Mardi Gras is not an activity for believers! It is not innocent fun!

  32. Dietrich Bondurant on February 21st, 2012 11:19 am

    Very disappointed that the FHS Band would participate in such a terrible thing as Mardi Gras. Do they not know they are shaking their fist in the face of God almighty?