not THE, but AN outstanding band... day 3

In competition with other bands, we performed our three songs in a dingy, junior high cafeteria with excessive, cheesy "got milk" posters covering the walls. Two bands prior to our performance, was Mr. Purvis' old band from South Whidbey Island. -They nailed their first tune, but our set was all together better.
At the Winner's Concert we were announced winners! Yay! We screamed, made a big scene, and then gathered back stage, nervously clenching our instruments with sweaty fingers. We played our hearts out, as winners, on the big stage and marched off, expecting to receive a drum set, keyboard, microphones... Or some sort of prize.
Once backstage again, Mr. Purvis asked us to gather and told us that for the first time in the 30-some years, we performed as a runner-up band (rather than as the actual winner). Might I say a bit humiliating? They had announced the wrong thing! How do you mess that up? Was the announcer pulling an Up-Chuck Findley (drunk)?
Oh well, it was a bummer that we didn't actually win, but the experience was awesome.
Later that night, Caitlin and I crossed a wheat field, a railroad bridge and a seven-lane highway to get back to the hotel. Unfortunately, I lost my cell phone in the process, but I'm recovering...