he Lewis & Clark Fife and Drum Corps was formed in 1992 to honor Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, the explorers who spent five days in Saint Charles, Missouri, in May of 1804 making final preparations for their journey across the Louisiana Territory. The Fife and Drum Corp is featured every Saturday and Sunday at 1:30pm during the Santa Parade. They also may be heard marching up and down the streets of Saint Charles on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

The corps is one of America's few all-youth corps, with members ranging in age from 10-18. The young musicians play replicas of the six- and ten-hole wooden fifes and rope-tension drums used during the 18th and 19th centuries. Their uniforms are red wool coats and bearskin crested round hats, patterned after those of US Army field musicians of the period 1804-1810.

The flag bearers are dressed identical to the musicians, but with opposite colors since they were considered part of the infantry. They carry the 15-star "Star-Spangled Banner" (our nation's flag from 1795-1818).

Be sure to check all the other amazing Things to Do at Saint Charles Christmas Traditions.