Every year, show designers across the country come up with new and crazy ways enhance their shows by using elaborate props. In 2017, it was no different. 

Here's a look back on some of the best props the marching arts had to offer this year.

Wando’s Hand

Wando High School (SC) used a giant mobile hand to represent mankind giving “light” to the world, manifested in a character named “Electra.”

Boston Crusader's Fire 

Talk about an explosive show! Boston brought the witch trials to life with “Wicked Games,” ending in a giant burst of flames as a featured witch met her end at the stake.

O’Fallon's Tarp 

Ever get tired of a plain ol’ green field? O’Fallon Township (IL) went from green to white in 90 seconds, rolling out an enormous set of tarps that transformed the stadium into a blank canvas for their show.

Carmel’s Swings 

The 2017 Bands of America Grand Nationals champion from Indiana took prop usage to new heights with a set of swings. Guard members flew as high as their rifles! As you might remember, Carmel's guard won the 2017 WGI Scholastic World Class championship using the same props in April.

CTJ’s Jungle Gyms 

For their winning show, Claudia Taylor Johnson (Texas) brought us a "FernGully" fantasy set in the rainforest. “The Forest Through The Trees” took over the whole field, with platforms and stages to place students at all different heights. Our favorite? The classic school jungle gyms painted highlighter yellow!

Broken Arrow’s Carts

Some kids can’t wait for their first set of wheels. Broken Arrow (OK) students didn’t really have to! Their carts zoomed all around the field and made for an incredibly versatile visual.

Homestead’s Skating Rink 

Just when you thought the activity couldn’t get any more intense, Homestead (IN) brought an ice skating rink ON THE FIELD! The rink wasn’t actually made of ice, however — it was a polymer that can sustain ice skates. Pretty cool, huh?

SCV’s Rolling Stages

Better hope you don’t get dizzy! These Santa Clara Vanguard (CA) props are even more impressive based on how they were used. Hornline members hopped inside and were wheeled across the field, where they had to hop out and continue their closer. If that isn’t intense, we don’t know what is. 

MCM’s Tree/Orb 

“Hand of Man” is one of those shows where every single element is just SO right. The main prop in this show by Music City Mystique (TN) is a tree with a glowing center, to represent natural resources and man’s mortality. It is stark and eerie and dramatic without being overdone — just what this show needed.

Bellbrook’s Tortoise 

When you imagine how a group might portray the tortoise and the hare proverb, you might imagine individual guard members as each animal. Not so for Bellbrook (Ohio)! To further illustrate the size difference in the tortoise and the hare, they constructed a giant turtle that fit four guard members. The end result looked like something you’d see in a Broadway musical like "The Lion King."