Despite the pandemic, the lasagna dinner must go on.

The 42nd annual Cotter Band Lasagna Dinner was held January 30 at the Elks Club, from 4-7pm, and once again the event was a success.

The junior high and high school Jazz Bands played during the event, as people were eating, or picking up dinners to go.

“It gives the kids a different experience, performing in a “gig” setting, rather than a “concert” setting.” Cotter band director Mr.Meurer said.

This year’s dinner was a little different than in the years past. This year there was an expanded take-out option, which was used way more this year, than in years past to due the pandemic. “We had about 30% of our supporters dine-in, and that made it feel roomier and more open to spread out,” Meurer said.

There is always a lot of people that come to this event, but this year was even better than normal. “Normally we raise about $8,000 off of this dinner, but the hard work of this years coordinators pushed us to almost $10,000.”

“I love seeing all the band alumni, and old parents and supporters of the band program that come back year after year: Old teachers from Cotter, parents of band alumni, community members who just love the dinner- it’s a good feeling! “