By Lisa Weatherwax
Contributing Writer

NICEVILLE, FLORIDA - Niceville High School band parent Sandy Soehngen barely got the order forms for the annual citrus sale in September before she had 30 eager customers. Soehngen’s been an avid NHS band booster volunteer for the past eight years. Her eldest daughter, Katie, played flute; now Bethany, a clarinetist, performs in the Eagle Pride. "One customer loves the fruit so much he breaks into the boxes as soon they get through the door," said Soehngen.

Grown in Vero Beach by Florida Indian River Groves, the fruit is picked, packed, shipped right to Niceville, and has a reputation for outstanding flavor. Last year, Bethany sold over $1000 in citrus, and about $230 of that went into her band account. "That’s a pretty good amount," said Soehngen. But the primary reason for selling fruit isn’t simply to raise money for Bethany’s trip to the Tournament of Roses Parade, it’s because it provides vital support for the band.

Citrus sales are now a Niceville tradition. NHS Band Boosters Ways and Means Chair Tammy McCown said she can’t even remember when, exactly, it started. "It’s been at least a decade." Early on this year, people began contacting the band room asking when the fruit would be sold. "It sells itself. This is what really funds our band programs, besides concessions and 50/50 tickets."

Band parent Anne Smith said she’s going again for the biggest box of grapefruit. She was impressed with last year’s delivery. "They are plump, and very juicy."

Students turned in their orders Oct 1, but McCown said the community can still place phone orders until Nov. 1. Fruit arrives Dec. 8, and students bring it to your doorstep. "Some say, ‘Just bring the fruit to church on Sunday,’ and some have it delivered to their place of work. It depends on what the customer wants. We deliver!"

McCown said last year, the semi arrived so packed that Florida Indian River Groves nearly provided the shipping at no cost. "We were so close," said McCown. Maybe this year the shipping will be free. Meanwhile, she’s looking forward to the citrus delight package, a combo of navel oranges, tangelos, and grapefruit.

It’s customary in December to see a small army of students, wrapped to stay warm, forming an assembly line outside Niceville High. The line stretches from inside the semi to the school’s sidewalk, where parents help students unload and stack the citrus. They create boxy mountains of fruit. Cars then pull up, and trunks are filled.

This year, the citrus sale fervor should be high, as it’s a legendary year for the band. Three hundred Eagle Pride students will march in one of the world’s most prestigious American celebrations in Pasadena, on New Year’s Day.