This weekend, more than 4,000 people are expected to make their way to Opp for the annual Little Big Horn band competition.

The competition is in its 36th year, and is the biggest fundraiser for the Opp High School band.

There are 27 bands confirmed to compete this Saturday in competition.

That’s an increase from last year’s 18.

This year, in an effort to get more bands to participate, new band director Dillon Worley waived entrance fees for those who registered early.

When Worley took the job as band director in June, he said he was excited to take on the competition.

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

This is our largest fundraiser for the band,” said Band Booster Sherry Bledsoe. “It’s the heartbeat of the Opp Marching Black and Gold. The support of our city leaders, Opp City School Board, businesses, citizens and family and friends of the band is what keeps Little Big Horn alive. We are so grateful for the support we have received this year. We believe this is going to be one of our best years yet. In my eight years with a child in band, this is the most bands we have seen. I have heard stories through the years of 35 bands. Maybe we are breathing life back in the event again.”

Admission is $6 and children 5 and under get in free.

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

An awards ceremony will be held at 9:40 p.m.

WHO’S PLAYING?

Monroe County at 11 a.m.;

Kinston at 11:15 a.m.;

Florala at 11:30 a.m.;

Freeport at 11:45 a.m.;

Fruitdale at noon;

Leroy at 12:15 p.m.

Sweet Water at 12:45 p.m.;

Brantley at 1 p.m.;

Georgiana at 1:15 p.m.;

Escambia County at 1:30 p.m.;

Washington County at 1:45 p.m.;

New Brockton at 2:15 p.m.;

Choctaw County at 2:30 p.m.;

Pensacola at 2:45 p.m.;

Dale County at 3 p.m.;

Straughn at 3:15 p.m.;

Citronelle at 3:30 p.m.;

Holmes County at 3:45 p.m.;

Luverne at 6 p.m.

Zion Chapel at 6:15 p.m.

Elba at 6:30 p.m.

Satsuma at 6:45 p.m.

Baldwin County at 7:20 p.m.

WS Neal at 7:40 p.m.

Saraland at 8 p.m.

Daphne at 8:40 p.m.

Andalusia at 9 p.m.

Opp at 9:20 p.m.

Awards ceremony at 9:40 p.m.