2011 Frontier Days Grand Marshal

The Cicorelli Family

Article by Travis Silvas

Jim Cicorelli was at his first Frontier Days kick off dinner when a Dancing Deputy caught his eye. As a Deputy, Terri Dane, was helping serve the annual dinner for those individuals that volunteered to put on, what at the time, was Charlotte’s only festival.

Cicorelli had just joined the Frontier Days board when all of a sudden the festival had taken on an even greater meaning. It’s where he met his wife. Jim and Terri continued to add to the significance of the festival by each serving lengthy terms on the board. Jim even served a term as the festival’s general chair.

Fittingly, the Charlotte Frontier Days Board has decided to name the Cicorelli family as 2011 Grand Marshals.

The Cicorelli’s, Jim, Terri and Jim’s parents, Frank and Rosa, have long been active supporters of the Charlotte community, Frontier Days included. The Grand Marshal is selected each year based upon community involvement and support of Frontier Days and its purpose.

“As a past board member and general chair, Jim understands the impact the festival has on the community and how many other organizations are able to benefit,” said 2011 general chair, Dianne Barmes. “His passion for Charlotte Frontier Days comes out in his conversation.”

The Cicorelli’s are the definition of community support. Jim credits his parents for instilling in him their belief in the importance of giving back to your community.

“My parents taught me that if you get involved and give back to the community you’ll feel good about yourself and be rewarded in return,” Jim said.

His parents opened Frank’s Party in Charlotte and Potterville in the 60s. Besides being business owners in the two communities, they were active members of the Lions Club. Frank is also a member of the St. Mary’s Men’s Club and Knights of Columbus.

Though they no longer serve on the board, Jim and Terri continue to be supporters of Frontier Days.

“The purpose of Frontier Days was to have a community festival we could all be proud of, somewhere we could annually reacquaint ourselves with family and friends,” Jim said. “Any profit we made went back to the community.”

Frontier Days was the first opportunity for Jim to begin giving back to his community. He hasn’t stopped since. He has served as Charlotte Rotary Club president, is an active member of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce and Potterville Area Chamber of Businesses. He and Terri are active supporters of St Mary’s Parish and school, Charlotte Public Schools, Potterville Public Schools, Christmas Kiddies, Potterville Gift Baskets and the Eaton Area Senior Center.