If you see a 21-piece band marching through Downtown St. John’s over the next couple of days, don’t be surprised.

The Kamloops Rube Band came together 70 years ago when a man with no musical talent, but a keen community spirit, wanted to generate some excitement around a blood donor clinic.

He brought together a band, dressed up in funny clothes and called themselves “a bunch of rubes”.

Band member, Larry Sill, says it was a perfect fit to come to Newfoundland this year as it’s their 70th anniversary, and the 70th anniversary of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Confederation with Canada.

The band made an appearance at Bannerman Park for St. John’s Day celebrations over the weekend and will make more over the next two days.

Sill says they will end up on George Street around 8:00 p.m. tonight to play, and on Tuesday before the council meeting, they will be playing in front of City Hall at 3:30 p.m. and have a letter from the Mayor of Kamloops to give to Mayor Breen.

They hope to give Breen a baton and let him conduct the band for a number or two.

Sill says so far, they’ve loved Newfoundland. He says the province was very welcoming, open and helpful. They want to thank everyone for a tremendous experience.

You can learn more about the Kamloops Rube Band by visiting their website.