The first time the marching band appeared in the Tournament of Roses Parade in 2006, it was raining cats and dogs.
But sunshine and highs in the low-80s were the picture-perfect result of a year-long effort by boosters, parents and band members to dazzle the crowds and a national audience on television.
Courtesy of a reader-contributed video, the MIHS marching band is seen here parading down Orage Grove just before turning onto Colorado Boulevard.
They were one of 21 villages, towns and cities around the globe who sent a marching band to take part on the Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena, Calif. on Jan. 1, 2011.
As part of a year-long effort to raise interest and support for the MIHS band's participation, local supporters put together a featuring notable Mercer Island residents and former Globetrotters and hosted of Lake Washington, among other events.
It is estimated that travel costs for the trip from Seattle to Pasadena, which bands or band members must pay, is $1,500 per person.
