Ahead of our 75th anniversary on Aug. 10, we are looking back at special moments from our archives, and here's a selection from this special that aired back in 2001.
Spencer kicked off the event from the football field at Hofstra University in Hempstead, Long Island.
The annual event began in 1963 and included performances from 13 marching bands. Since then, the festival has become a multi-day celebration of music, youth and the US.
WABC Turns 75: Newsday's 39th annual Marching Band Festival