If you want a good seat for the Frontier Days Team One Chevrolet Grand Parade on Saturday, Sept. 7, come early. The parade will begin at 10:30 a.m., but many people will reserve their place by setting up chairs and blankets along the parade route hours in advance. The Team One Chevrolet Grand Parade is usually the largest event of the year in Charlotte, drawing thousands of people downtown.

This year we are honored to introduce David Howe as our Grand Marshal, and Garrett Blocker as Jr. 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. 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.

Community members may have seen Garrett 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.  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. 

There will be many businesses and organizations from throughout Mid-Michigan represented in this year’s parade. Those watching the parade will see floats, horses, old cars, tractors, dance groups, martial arts groups, bands, and much, much more.

Each year we have a float contest for parade participants. Winners will be announced during the parade. The 2019 Frontier Days Scholarship Winners as well as the Grand Marshal and Jr. Grand Marshal will have special transportation. Frontier Days is a celebration of Charlotte as a community.

The Frontier Days Board would like to thank everyone who helps to put this festival together. A special thank you goes out to the Charlotte Police Department, Fire Department, Eaton County Sheriff’s Office and MDOT for all they do to make our festival successful.

Charlotte Frontier Days is a weekend of fun, food, and family entertainment. Hope to see you all there.

Article submitted by the Charlotte Frontier Days Board.