Several bands will perform at Effingham County High School Saturday in one of the state’s most established and prestigious marching contests.

ECHS will host the 33rd annual Coastal Empire Classic at Rebel Field. South Effingham’s Marching Mustangs and other high school bands from around the region will perform, starting at 1:30 p.m.

Gates will open at noon. Admission is $7 per person, with children 5 and under admitted free. The awards ceremony will take place at 8 p.m.

The ECHS Rebel Regiment will perform its 2014 competitive show, “Pathfinder,” for exhibition only.

A variety of food will be available throughout the day at the concession stand, and vendors will be on-site selling T-shirts, band gear and other accessories. A videographer will record the competition, and DVDs will be available to order.

Founded by acclaimed band director and arranger Bill Locklear in 1981, the Coastal Classic was created to provide a top-notch contest for the southeast Georgia region. From its humble beginnings as a regional contest, the Classic grew to a multi-state marching showcase, drawing groups from all areas of Georgia, as well as South Carolina and North Florida.

For more information, visit www.echsbands.org.

Festival Performances

Savannah Christian (Class A), 1:30 p.m.
Windsor Forest High School (Class A), 1:55 p.m.

Silver Division Competition

New Hampstead High School (Class A), 3 p.m.
Savannah Christian (Class A), 3:35 p.m.
Windsor Forest High School (Class A), 4 p.m.

Statesboro High School (Class AA), 4:30 p.m.
Screven County High School (Class AA), 4:55 p.m.
Glynn Academy (Class AAA), 5:20 p.m.

Dinner break – 5:45 p.m.

Gold Division Competition

South Effingham High School (Open Class), 6:30 p.m.
Richmond Hill High School (Open Class), 7 p.m.

Exhibition

Effingham County High School (AAAA), 7:30 p.m.