Band's snowy run for the Rose

The skies are clearing for a Chester County high school band struggling to get to California to march in the Pasadena Rose Parade.

The snowstorm that's stranded thousands of East Coast travelers this week - and postponed the Sunday-night Eagles game - had threatened to ground more than half of Downingtown East High School's 350-person marching band. But Continental Airlines found room for all but a few of the 200 students left in limbo to fly last night from Newark, N.J. - and was working to find seats for the last few.

In all, 900 students and supporters were making the trip, which includes a band festival today and a performance at Disneyland tomorrow. The instruments were shipped ahead of time.

The school is one of just a dozen high schools invited to perform in the Rose Parade, in Pasadena, on New Year's Day.

"It's definitely an experience I could never expect to get again. It's amazing," said senior Emily Wisniewski, who was rebooked for last night's flight. A younger brother and sister made it out earlier in the day.

Bill Flinn, chief operating officer of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, said that Downingtown was the only group still struggling with travel plans, after a band from Londonderry, N.H., made it out despite the snow.

"We've been trying to support them from here, because we want them in the parade," Flinn said.