Bloomingdale Crimson Guard to Host Fundraiser Oct. 26.

The award-winning Bloomingdale High School Crimson Guard is determined to accumulate more honors during competitions this year.

The Varsity Guard is planning to go to the National Color Guard competition in Dayton, Ohio, and the Junior Varsity Guard is planning to attend a competition in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

But, before the 56 Crimson Guard members begin packing their bags, they have to raise some funds.

Therefore, the Crimson Guard will host a fundraising recital Friday, Oct. 26 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Bloomingdale High School auditorium, 1700 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico. Tickets are $5 each and all proceeds will go to the two teams. 

Sponsored by Coleen Petree, the Crimson Guard is a synchronized dance team that performs with the Rajun' Bulls Band at halftime shows during football season. The Crimson Guard also performs as a separate group from January through April. The guard traditionally takes part in the Brandon Fourth of July Parade, the Gasparilla Parade and the Strawberry Festival Parade as well.

The guard was previously a single team but, due to the number of girls wanting to join, this year the team was divided into a junior varsity and a varsity squad.

Last year the Crimson Guard winter color guard squad won the 2011 championship for the Florida Federation of Color Guard as well as first place in the FCC Circuit Premier II Scholastic Class AA Western Division.

Tickets to the recital may be purchased from Crimson Guard members or at the school's main office.