The only active marching band in Alaska is going to Washington, D.C.

The Colony High School band plans to play “Thriller” and “Travelin' Band” for millions at the Presidential Inauguration Parade Jan. 20 – even though they’re still $6,000 to $10,000 short in travel funds.

“We’re too far along to let it fall apart now,” said band director Jamin Burton.

The band hopes to make up the difference through fundraisers and donations before they leave Jan. 17 for the festivities surrounding Pres.-Elect Barack Obama’s inauguration, Burton said. They plan to hold a spaghetti feed and silent auction from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Palmer Elk's Lodge.

The Mat-Su Borough School Board turned down the band’s $25,000 request last month. Burton, instead, is relying on donations from local businesses and individuals that have so far pledged more than $40,000.

If the band is still short the $67,000 they need, backers including Burton will make up the difference, he said.