01/13/05 Idaho drill team is DC bound

Mel Griffeth started the black horse drill team in Rexburg 23 years ago. Now known as the Americanas this 30-member drill team is just days away from performing in President Bush's second inaugural. Griffeth says his own children and grandchildren are part of the drill that puts in a lot of time. GRIFFETH "I don't over practice them and I don't drill hard but yes we practice all summer long and then we have drills most weekends." They also have to put up their own money. All of the riders are required to buy their own American flag and they pay their own way. GRIFFETH "We have had quite a bit of donations to kind of help us get the horses back there. The individuals that are riding and everybody that's going are willing to cover their own expenses." In the past the Americanas have performed at the Rose Parade in Pasadena, two Fourth of July parades in Washington and the Caldwell Night Rodeo. On Saturday 32 horses will leave Rexburg by truck for Washington DC. The 40 member Americana's traveling party flies out of Salt Lake City on January 18th and has one day to prepare themselves and the horses for the inaugural parade on the 20th. GRIFFETH "If Bush gets re-elected I probably wouldn't turn it down." It was that statement that got Griffeth and company an invite this year. More about the Americanas tomorrow. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott