Our Mission:

THE PURPOSE OF
FRONTIER DAYS
IS TO PROMOTE AND ENHANCE
THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE
THROUGH COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
AND EFFORT
WITH A QUAILTY AND
ENTERTAINING FESTIVAL

A Little Frontier Days History

1969-1971
Planning initiated by Steve Musselman to start a city festival. $5000.00 of stock was sold to area businesses and organizations. A logo was created (which is still used today).

1971
First Annual Charlotte Frontier Days festival was held with a parade, queens contest, Olds outdoor club rodeo, and Arts and crafts show. Bleachers were donated to the CHS at a cost of $1200.00 with this years profits.
Queen: Faith Wertz
Grand Marshal: Kathryn Bosworth
General Chairperson: Edward Morey

1972
Queen: Jeri Behnke
Grand Marshal: Clyde Fulton
General Chairperson: Stuart Bearup

1973
Saloon started at the armory. It was the first year that Frontier Days actually made money. It would have been the last if it hadn’t.
Queen: Shirley Raths
Grand Marshal: Stephen Musselman
General Chairperson: Fred Darin

1974
Board of Directors were increased to 15 members. The firemen took over running the rodeo.
Queen: Sheri Crandell
Grand Marshal: Edward Morey
General Chairperson: Lynn Fowler

1975
This was the first year for the appearance of Wilma Campbell’s Dancing Deputies. Profits for this year went to the planting of 42 locust trees downtown.
Queen: Linda BerQuist
Grand Marshal: Stuart Bearup
General Chairperson: Herb Holmes

1976
A mortgage was taken out for the addition on the 4-h building. Frontier Days paid for 75.5% and the Fair Board was responsible for the other 24.5%.
Queen: Vicki Weiler
Grand Marshal: Winnifred Wells
General Chairperson: Doug Lowe

1977
Frontier Days started making payments on the addition with another successful year.
Queen: Marilyn Fisher
Grand Marshal: Robert K. Powell
General Chairperson: Frank Pawli

1978
Oak Park entertainment was added during this year.
Queen: Jean Viele
Grand Marshal: Rice Fowler
General Chairperson: Fredrick Darin

1979
Frontier Days took over the operations of the rodeo and purchased the Frontier Days Queen’s first float.
Queen: Teri Barnes
Grand Marshal: Richard Shaull
General Chairperson: Leon Monroe

1980
Christi Bryan Dutcher was the first woman to be elected Gereral Chairperson for the festival.
Queen: Darleen Maurer
Grand Marshal: Frederick Darin
General Chairperson: Christi Dutcher

1981
This was the first year to have two Grand Marshals.
Queen: Julie Schneckenberger
Grand Marshals: Gordon Sparks & John Gaedert
General Chairperson: Terry Armstrong

1982
Frontier Days funded the building of the gazebo in Oak Park. Frontier Days also made a contribution to the fair board for Kardel Hall.
Queen: Sally Wolever
Grand Marshal: Cal Fullerton
General Chairperson: Daniel Hayes

1983
The main addition to this year’s festival was the Silver Slipper Riverboat Dance Hall.
Queen: Chris Morris
Grand Marshal: Barton Howe
General Chairperson: Jeff Sauter

1984
The Queens contest was turned into the Queens Pageant.
Queen: Susan Joostberns
Grand Marshal: Dick Cooper
General Chairperson: Bob Woods

1985
The Living History Encampment, held at Bennett Park made its debut this year.
Queen: Michele Moss
Grand Marshal: Stuart Graham
General Chairperson: Julie McNamara

1986
Contributions were made this year totaling over $6000.00 to the community. Receiving organizations included: Christmas Kiddies, Community Education and Recreation, Charlotte Band Boosters and the Eaton County Sheriffs Department for the ARES Robot.
Queen: Gwen Janousek
Grand Marshal: Harper Wildren
General Chairperson: Dutch Benden

1987
Frontier Days funded the building of the cooler and fair office in the 4-h building and paid off their portion of the mortgage for the 4-h building addition.
Queen: Lisa Dexter
Grand Marshal: Bill Powers
General Chairperson: Scott Ommen

1988
A time capsule was sealed during Frontier Days until the year 2013. A $10,000.00 pledge was made to the Charlotte Library Project with $7000.00 of the pledge paid that year.
Queen: Vicki Hams
Grand Marshal: World War I Veterans
General Chairperson: Connie(Merideth)Burgess

1989
A new Queens Float was purchased along with the banners you see downtown.
Queen: Jackie Sherman
Grand Marshal: Eldred Toutant
General Chairperson: Jim Spagnuolo

1990
Frontier Days paid the remaining $3,000.00 of their $10,000.00 earlier pledge and pledged an additional $40,000.00 to the Library Project.
Queen: Brenda Berkompas
Grand Marshal: Edward Morey
General Chairperson: Tim Johnson

1991
This was our 20th Anniversary and we added the first Amateur Talent Show.
Queen: Coleen (Tean) Parsons
Grand Marshal: Darrell Cook
General Chairperson: Randy Bruce

1992
Arts and Crafts were expanded into Lawrence Ave. between Cochran and Bostwick streets.
Queen: J.J.Lewis
Grand Marshal: Frank Pawli
General Chairperson: Jim Cicorrelli

1993
Part of this years proceeds were to purchase a Dolson Buggy for festival use. This buggy was originally built in the Charlotte area.
Queen: Mindi Latchaw
Grand Marshals: Jerri Fredenberg & Evelo Fulton
General Chairperson: Dave Starr

1994
Very successful year. We had net profits of about $20,000.00. These profits were distributed back to the community through such things as: $10,000.00 to the Library Project, $2000.00 to the Eaton County Square Memorial Walkway , and a new “Welcome to Charlotte, Home of Frontier Days” sign on Lansing Street.
Queen: Kerrin Sudrovech
Grand Marshal: George Sztykeil
General Chairperson: Vaughn Seavolt

1995
We made it to our 25th Anniversary. There are very few festivals that have reached this milestone. Some events being planned to highlight this event are: fireworks, Gala Queens Pageant, Reunion and Concert entertainment in the grand stand.
Queen: Erica Laverty
Grand Marshal: Jerry Starr
General Chairperson: Steve Sommer

1996
Not a very good year. Rodeo went to PRCA.Events included: fireworks, queens pageant,encampment. Lost $5300.00.
Queen: Tammy Watson
Grand Marshal: Joe Pray
General Chairperson: Brett Burgess

1997
This was the year to make or break the festival.Fireworks, Queens pageant, Rodeo were highlights. Came back with over $21,000.00 profit. Donations included $5000.00 to Library Project. Donated Dolson Buggy to Historical Society.
Queen: Erin Munson
Grand Marshal: George Wildren
General Chairperson: Chris Morris

1998
Castagnasso Clydesdale Team pulled a wagon carrying Frontier Days board members. Profits over $20,000.00. Donations included $5000.00 Library Project, $2000.00 earmarked for new bleachers, Band boosters, CJO. Fireworks were moved to Carter’s on Packard Hwy.
Queen: Dallas Mairs
Grand Marshal: Tom Eveland
General Chairperson: Phil Herrera

1999
Team One is Rodeo Sponsor. Ten girls participated in Queens Pageant. First Annual Cowboy Golf Outing was started. Profits this year were over $17,000.00. Donations to Library Project ($5000.00), Charlotte Band Boosters, Christmas Kiddies Fund. Plans for 30th Anniversary are under way.
Queen: Kelli VanDorpe
Grand Marshal: Keith & Connie Bazaire
General Chairperson: Phil Herrera

2000
New this year: Lumberjack Show on Lovett St. by Post Office. Was well attended and response was positive. Will consider bringing it back for next year. Karaoke Contest also new this year was a big hit and will return next year. Sunday was a rainy day and sales were down and attendance poor for Rodeo. Celebrated 30 years of Festival.
Queen: Shannon Burt
Grand Marshal: Daryl Baker
General Chairperson: Yvonne Seavolt

2001
Rain, rain and more Rain. The only thing that didn’t get rained on was the parade. It was not a good year for the Rodeo Arts & Crafts, and the Flea Market because of rain. We had the Karaoke contest again. Queens pageant was a success with nine girls competing. A.J. Carl Amusement made a debut but rain wasn’t good for them either . They caused a lot of damage to the field. Saloon was busy as usual. Beacon Sales was a sponsor for the rodeo. Elvis was at Oak Park on Sunday. Fireworks were held even in the rain, again poor attendance.
Queen: Amber Woods
Grand Marshal: Janie Tharp
General Chairperson: Dennis Craft

2002
No rain! We had great weather for all the events. Seven contestants for the Queens pageant. Good turnout for everything. Even Elvis paid us a visit at the saloon and again at Oak Park. Third annual Karaoke contest was a success. Had the petting zoo with Clyde the Pepsi drinking Camel. Had inflatable toys for the kids, a mechanical bull at the saloon. Made donation to the library project of $1000.00 leaving a balance of $2000.00. Gave $500.00 to Christmas Kiddies and $500.00 to Holiday Food Basket Project. Feels good to make a little money. Pray that we have a few more good years like this one!
Queen: Dawn VanAlstine
Grand Marshal: Ron Schultiess
General Chairperson: Chris Morris

2003
No Rain this year. Had eight contestants for the Queens pageant this year. Good turnout for everything. Rodeo had a great crowd for all shows. Meijer Friday kids night was a hugh success. Las Vegas night was held Thursday night. Michigan Area 8 Special Olympics were the hosts and profited almost $1500.00 from their event. Brought back the fireworks this year . They were held on Sunday at the airport. Profits would have been better if the sponsorship had been better. Several dropped out at the last minute so costs were up. Finished paying the library project off making the total $50,000.00 pledge paid in full. Gave the Christmas Kiddies $500.00 plus additional $500.00 to hang the banners, The Holiday Food Basket Project $500.00, Eaton County Hospice $300.00 plus $500.00 for their help during festival. Paid area marching bands, Shriners Club. Profits all returned to community.
Queen: Wendy Harper
Grand Marshal: Mary Hall
General Chairperson: Chris Morris

2004
We had good weather for all events. Brought back the Prince & Princess Pageant and had great success with it. Added the Kids Flea Market, Penny Scramble, Duck Race, and had a Bed Race . The Air Force blessed us with a touching Fly Over at the beginning of the Sept. 11th Grand Parade in remembrance of the 911 tragedy. Donations went to the Christmas Kiddies, Holiday Food Basket, Hospice, Special Olympics, Eaton Country Horseback Riding Program, House of Ruth, and many other deserving organizations. Preparations have been started to celebrate next year being the 35th anniversary.
Queen: Angela Crozier
Grand Marshal: Tony Rodriguez
General Chairperson: Doretta Malerba

2005
Weather was good for the 35th annual Charlotte Frontier Days festival. Economy was down and cost of gas was around 3.00 attributing to the decline in attendance and monies raised. No donations were made due to the loss of nearly $10,000.00 . Activities were started downtown for the youth to enjoy and welcomed very much. Senior queen was brought back for the 35th celebration and Betty Morrissey was chosen to represent Charlotte during the festivities. A Jr. Miss and Miss Teen pageant was held also. Jr. Miss was Ashley Weiler and Ashleigh Hampton was chosen Miss Teen.
Queen: Amanda Barron
Grand Marshal:Yvonne Seavolt
General Chairperson: Doretta Malerba

2006
Weather from Friday thru Sunday threatened the festival, it was cold and damp. It didn’t rain but made it miserable for everyone that outside activities. The Prince & Princess Pageant, Miss Teen & Miss Jr. Teen were held on Saturday August 26th. Miss Teen was Paige Britton & Miss Pre-Teen was Dallas Dedman. Prince was Collin Czerneski & Princess was Georgia Nagel.
The Queens Pageant was moved from the saloon to the Charlotte Performing Arts Center on Tuesday evening. The event went over well and will probably be held there next year. Thursday night the first annual Classic Car Cruise was held and went over very well. Downtown was busy and will be back again. Sponsorship was up but attendance wasn’t the best so no profit was made. We lost approximately 10,000.00. No donations were made at all. We will start next year with less than 10,000.00 startup cash. Queen: Andrea Szymanski
Grand Marshal: Doug and Nola Buck
General Chairperson: Doretta Malerba

2007
Queen: to be determined
Grand Marshal: Chuck Jensen
General Chairperson: Mike Dedman