There was no shortage of excitement on the lawn of Sippican School Thursday evening as the music program put on its 12th annual Band Blast.

The cowboy theme had kids playing games with a Western twist, and back at the grills, deputies and sheriffs (band parents) cooked up some tasty grub at the Chow Wagon.

Wearing their bathing suits for the first time this season, kids took turns at the dunking booth – all to raise money for the school's music programs.

Band teacher Hannah Moore said, "It gets bigger and bigger every year."

Local companies and parents donate food and prizes for the event, and Moore said she expected to raise at least $5,000.

Moore said she tries to purchase one larger item each year with proceeds from the event. In the past, she's purchased tubas, a sousaphone, drums, and keyboards.

"Our program is an inclusive program, which means not only financial, but also parental support," said Moore.

Moore said she doesn't want to have to "nickel and dime" kids for every expense, so the Band Blast also supports expenses for trips to competitions, band shirts, and a year's supply of reeds and valve oil.

"Here every kid has equal access and every kids gets to get a try. That’s what we think elementary school is all about," said Moore.