×

Live Today. Love Tomorrow. Unite Forever.

Frontier Days 2017 gates open Friday

The Frontier Days Committee wants to invite everyone to attend the 2017 Frontier Days Parade so everyone can be part of the excitement of this weekend event that is fun for all ages and brings together thousands of people. This is the showcase parade of Fort Dodge and North Central Iowa for what will be the 43rd year, with over 100 plus entries from over one hundred miles away and from many surrounding counties.

“It is good to be back this year with planning Frontier Days. It is something I have looked forward to every year since I was a little kid, and I love being able to continue the tradition with the kids today.” Kerk Friday Frontier Days Committee member said.

The theme for the 43rd annual Frontier Days parade will be: Live Today. Love Tomorrow. Unite Forever. The theme for this years Frontier Day’s was inspired by music, “I am really big into music and I got this theme from an EDM music festival and it seemed like a nice fit for this years Frontier Days,” said Friday. The primary mission is to share the history of the settling of the area in the 1800’s through a wide range of artisans, historical displays, acts or events during the weekend celebration.

This year guest can expect there to be a lot of new things. “This year we have a new major event including a new car, boat, and auto show, the community wont be disappointed,” Friday said.

Gates will open at 12 p.m. on Friday, June 2, beginning with: BUCKSKINNER Rendezvous, where skinners from over one hundred miles away will portray the life and times of early colonial Frontier men and women sharing the realness of spirit and daily life in the late 1700’s to the mid 1800’s; games for kids, including hands-on art, balloon darts, and more; The Frontier Days Booth opens in the Opera House (offering the 2017 collectors button and previous years collectors button); the food and craft vendors open; and the Fort Museum and the stores on Front Street will open. At 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. will be “The Alpha Media Kids Party” for kids 8 and under in the Opera House. There will be games, arts, and prizes. The opening ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. at the South Flag Pole.

Beginning at 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in the Opera House, “The History of Classic Country Music” will entertain guest with both music and history to life of true classic country music. The event is sponsored by Bob and Sheila Everhart.

Guest will have a chance to visit BUCKSKINNER Rendezvous, the Cardiff Giant at the Museum, and the Frontier Days Booth each day, along with enjoying the various food and craft vendors provided.

Moving onto Saturday, June 3 the celebration begins with the annual Frontier Days Parade at Central Ave., downtown Fort Dodge. The Co-Sponsors of the parade are Kemna Auto of Fort Dodge and Personal Computer Solutions. Title Sponsor is Alpha Media.

Live entertainment for Saturday includes “Richie Lee and the Fabulous Fifties” on the Fort Dodge Ford Stage from 1 – 4 p.m. Richie Lee is a 22 year old from Des Moines who is making a name for himself by performing Buddy Holly’s music and other music from the 50s and 60s. From 7 p.m. – 11 p.m., The M-80’s will be performing for the first time at Frontier Days. “This band will bring a new name to Frontier Days and will play the hits you want to hear on the Fort Dodge Ford Stage,” Friday said.

Also at 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. the “Revolution Wrestling Alliance” will bring professional wrestling at its best to Frontier Days. Guest will need their Frontier Days 2017 wristband to get on the grounds and the admission for the event is $10 for all ages. Tickets will be available at the door.

On Sunday, at 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., a non-denominational church service will be held in the Opera House. Then beginning at 12 p.m. the Frontier Days Booth will be open in the Opera House, offering the collectors buttons, t-shirts, and even a silent auction. At 1 p.m. live music will be playing on the Ford Stage until 4 p.m. that has yet to be announced.

The 2017 Frontier Days Pageants will end the 2017 Frontier Days, beginning in the Opera House at 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. There will be 2 unique pageants, returning favorites including “Little Miss and Mr. Frontier Days.”

“This is a big party for the community and I hope to see everyone out this year,” Friday said.

The 2017 Frontier Days schedule will be updated as the time goes on and the date gets closer. Visit www.frontierdaysfortdodge.com/event-schedule for weekly updates and a complete schedule.

_____________________________________________________________________

2017 Frontier Days Schedule of Events

FRIDAY

Noon – Gates open at Fort Museum and Frontier Village. Buckskinner Rendevous. food and craft vendors, Frontier Days Booth all open.

1 p.m. to 3 p.m. – The Alpha Media Kids Party at the Opera House

7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – The History of Classic Country Music at the Opera House

SATURDAY

10 a.m. – Parade on Central Avenue

1 p.m. to 4 p.m. – Richie Lee and the Fabulous Fifties on the Fort Dodge Ford Stage

7 p.m. to 11 p.m. – M-80s on the Fort Dodge Ford Stage

7 p.m. to 11 p.m. – Revolution Wrestling Alliance show

SUNDAY

10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – Non-denominational church service, Opera House

Noon – Frontier Days Booth opens.

1 p.m. – Live music on Fort Dodge Ford Stage

2 p.m. to 4 p.m. – Frontier Days pageants, Opera House

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today