In an effort to garner more support for the Little Big Horn Marching Band Contest, entrance fees have been waived for bands who register early.

The early registration deadline is Sept. 30.

“Any band that registers for our contest on or before this date will not be required to pay an entry fee,” said new OHS band director Dillon Worley.

Those who register after Sept. 30, will be required to pay $100 as entry fee for the contest.

The 36th annual event is set for Oct. 15, at Channell-Lee Stadium.

Bands may register online at www.tinyurl.com/LittleBigHorn2016.

The competition is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the OHS band.

Each year it draws more than 4,000 people to the city of Opportunity.

Band Boosters typically net $6,000 in profits; give away some $3,000 in trophies and spend $2,500 on judges.

Last year 19 bands participated in the event.

The competition allows small bands to participate and compete against bands their size, which was the goal of the competition’s founder, Ronnie Mallory, 36 years ago.

For the first time in 22 years, Little Big Horn will be headed by a new face — Worley, who was hired in June.

When the Star-News interviewed Worley in June, he said that he was excited to take on the competition.

“Those were big selling points,” he said. “I would like to see it grow back to where there are over 20 bands competing.”

Anyone who has questions may call or email Worley at oppband@gmail.com or 334-493-4561.