Phantom Regiment Suffers Devastating Fire
07/26/2000

Port Gibson, Miss. -- The Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps suffered a major financial setback when its souvenir sales trailer caught fire while traveling in Louisiana early this morning. The fire was apparently caused by the suspension overheating and the fire soon consumed the entire trailer and its contents. The tow vehicle was detached soon after the fire was discovered and suffered no damage. No injuries were reported.

The Phantom Regiment sells more than $100,000 of CDs, shirts, jackets and miscellaneous souvenirs every summer during their competition season. The next 3 weeks represent the final leg of the tour and have by far the biggest crowds. "The final 3 weeks represent 60% of our souvenir sales." said Tim Farrell, Phantom Regiment Board President. "This is how we finance our travels." According to Phantom Regiment estimates, damages are estimated at $35,000 including the trailer, but those figures don't account for the loss of revenue due to their inability to sell products during these final weeks. The Phantom Regiment has been moving up in the standings as it approaches the Drum Corps International finals competition at University of Maryland on Aug. 12.

Always a crowd favorite, the Regiment has been a top 12 finalist every year for the past 25 years. A distinction held by only 3 other corps. Donations can be sent to

Phantom Regiment
c/o Firstar Bank
1107 E. State St.
Rockford, IL 61104

or calls can be directed to the corps office: (815) 965-6777.
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Or feel free to e-mail me with questions at greg@regiment.org

Greg Newell
Phantom Regiment Board of Directors