Those demonstrations of youthful skills in dance and martial arts were part of an opening ceremony held at the Fort Museum and Frontier Village to give the annual community event a formal start.

Jeana Becker, chairwoman of the Frontier Days committee, said the event is a celebration of “heritage, community and extraordinary people.”

She introduced the grand marshals of Frontier Days, Judge Brown and Charlene Washington. She said they “represent the very best of Fort Dodge.”

“Fort Dodge is better because of you,” she told Brown and Washington.

-Messenger photo by Bill Shea
Charlene Washington and Judge Brown, the grand marshals of Frontier Days 2025, took part in the opening ceremonies Friday night.

The grand marshals spoke briefly to welcome everyone.

“I’m glad to be in this position today,” Brown said. “Welcome to all of you.”

Washington added “I feel deeply blessed and honored.”

Amanda Lindstrom, of Farnhamville, sang the “Star Spangled Banner.”

Then some dancers from Vicky’s Dance Academy performed a high energy routine that had them leaping and somersaulting across the fort’s lawn.

-Messenger photo by Bill Shea
Amanda Lindstrom, of Farnhamville, sings the national anthem during the opening ceremonies for Frontier Days 2025 Friday evening at the Fort Museum and Frontier Village.

That was followed by a demonstration by Faiferlick Tae Kwon Do, Martial Arts and Fitness. One of that school’s students, Silas Gall, of Manson, broke some boards held by his instructor Mark Faiferlick. Two of the school’s mixed martial arts followed that up with a demonstration of sparring.

-Messenger photo by Bill Shea
Silas Gall, of Manson, breaks a board held by Mark Faiferlick, during the opening ceremonies Friday for Frontier Days 2025. Gall is a student at Faiferlick Tae Kwon Do, Martial Arts and Fitness, and Faiferlick is an instructor there.