It's with a lot of disappointment that I heard the Chief Sealth Marching Band won't be performing in the Macy's parade this year. It has been a tradition for the band to be in the Bon Marche Holiday parade for the last decade and their appearance is one of the highlights of the marching band each year. The kids had been practicing for several weeks before they found out this week they won't be appearing.

We also found out that West Seattle and Ingraham bands were also turned away. Macy's claims too many entries in the parade, so it appears they are turning away only the smaller marching bands from the Seattle public schools. So much for tradition.

Traditionally I do a lot of my Christmas shopping at the Bon/Macy's, but since it's only business I think I'll switch to Nordstrom this year.

David Vague

Fairmount