Out of the many nominations submitted by community members this year, the Charlotte Frontier Days Board has selected Charlotte’s own David Howe to serve as the 2019 Frontier Days Grand Marshal.
David has been a businessman in Charlotte for more than 40 years. You may have heard of his business, the very well known Beacon Sales and Service. As you enjoy driving down Lansing Road, and its manicured median, which David maintains, you may also notice the Eastside Pantry he created and keeps stocked to help those in need.
David has always had a soft spot for Charlotte’s youth and proudly supports athletics, performing arts, FFA, 4H, Pheasants Forever and school-related activities. Most recently, David donated funds to cover school lunch balances. He has been actively involved in demolition derbies at the Eaton County Fair. He sponsors the Eaton County Fair and Charlotte Frontier Days and is a strong supporter of organizations such as CharlotteRising, Guardian Angel Suitcases for Kids, Homeless Angels, Bikers4Books, Christmas Kiddies, AL!VE, and the Eaton Area Senior Center. He is a member of the Friends of Maple Hill Cemetery, Eaton County Buck Club, and the Chamber of Commerce, just to name a few. Dave was also a long time volunteer at the Charlotte Fire Department.
He currently enjoys and sponsors short track racing. He has been the recipient of several racing related awards, including Spirit Award, Golden Circle Award and Sponsor of the Year Award. He is also the recipient of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce’s President’s Award. To say Charlotte is lucky to have this hard working, big-hearted family man is an understatement.
David, thank you for your limitless contributions that have made and will continue to make huge impacts on our community.
This year’s Junior Grand Marshal is Garrett Blocker. That name may sound familiar to those who saw him featured in a Lansing State Journal article. Perhaps you have seen him perform in multiple plays or at Windwalker’s open mic nights. If you live in downtown Charlotte, you have probably been lucky enough to hear Garrett singing and playing guitar while he walks his dog, Jake.
Many have commented on local Facebook pages thanking Garrett for sharing his voice and his musical talent. Garrett is 19 and graduated with honors from Charlotte High School last year and attended MSU briefly. This fall, he will be attending LCC where he will be taking Advanced Pre-Calculus and a rock band class. Garrett loves alternative rock and hip-hop. He plays guitar, piano, cornet and is currently learning how to play the drums. Garrett has many accomplishments, but his biggest one is how he manages his Autism. Garrett found his love of music and acting at a young age and uses these outlets as forms of expression. Social situations are often uncomfortable for Garrett, but music helps. Garrett is currently employed at Peckham, but still finds time to compose his own original music.
Whether on stage or on the downtown sidewalks, Garrett’s voice brings joy to those that are lucky enough to hear it. Garrett, thank you for sharing your voice with us. You bring joy to our hearts and smiles to our faces. Charlotte is so fortunate to have you in our community.
Article submitted by the Charlotte Frontier Days Board.
