Mimicking Michael Jackson’s fashion sense?

Trying to re-enact the “Sgt. Pepper’s” album cover?

Or maybe you’re just pining for the good old days, marching along with the Chaska High School band.

Now’s your chance to get a piece of history – circa 1978. That was when the school district purchased 150 purple band uniforms, all emblazed with “Chaska.”

Most of the uniforms would remain the district’s closet until last year, when a new set of uniforms was purchased to augment a rejuvenated marching band program.

Tim Beckler, Chaska High School band director, considered reselling all of the old uniforms, but ran up against a wall. “These are just too old or too purple,” Beckler said, adding that “What color are they?” was one of the primary questions interested parties asked.

“Instead of throwing all of the remaining uniforms out, the CHS band department wanted to offer them to any and all interested individuals of our community that would like one,” Beckler said.

Some of the uniforms have been given away or sold over the years. However, the remaining 80 to 90 uniforms (complete with hats) will be set out in the commons area at Chaska High School (at the east end of Chaska High School, through the activities entrance) through next Wednesday, available during building hours. Visitors can give free-will donations at the nearby activities office.

“Please come and get one – we’d like all of them to find a good home!” Beckler said.

Band Uniforms

What: The District is offering 80 to 90 Chaska High School Band Uniforms (circa 1978)

Where: Chaska High school Commons, through the activities entrance on the east side of the building

When: June 26-July 2, when school doors are open

Cost: Free-will donation at the activities office, to benefit the marching band program

History: The uniforms were purchased in 1978, at an estimated cost of $170 apiece, or $25,000 total. The uniforms replaced the $8 windbreakers the band had been marching in. “River City’s goin’ have its uniforms,” exclaimed the Herald.