The Canton South High School band took its show on the road, but this time it was not to a football stadium. It was to the Hennis Care Center in Bolivar.

Band members and directors John and Beth Rivers went to hold a concert for one of their own, Red McFarland, who drove the Canton South Band Bus for 29 years.

McFarland has had some health problems this year and is spending a few weeks at Hennis to try to get back on his feet. On May 9, the entire Canton South Band gave him a surprise performance.

McFarland and other residents at Hennis were told a band was coming to entertain them. However, none of the residents, including McFarland, knew what band or how big it would be.

No one was more surprised than McFarland (pictured at left with his wife, Jean) to see the Canton South Wildcat Marching Band, in full dress uniform marching around the building as they performed the Canton South fight song.

Tears were in the eyes of many as they experienced this heartfelt gift from band members, leaders, boosters and superintendent Teresa Purses, who also came along.

"You have a part of our own Canton South family living with you here," Beth Rivers said. "You are one in a million, Red."

Mr. McFarland, who also had several family members in attendance, was given flowers that were, of course, red and silver.

The performance, which also was taken in by nearby elementary students, included several of the Wildcat band's favorite tunes and ended with the Canton South alma mater.

The longtime bus driver and Wildcat fan thanked everyone for coming.