Mention Frontier Days and perhaps the first thing that comes to mind for many people is the massive parade that moves down almost the entire length of Central Avenue. It’s a signature part of a traditional three-day event that celebrates the frontier heritage of Fort Dodge and truly launches the summer season.

In addition to the parade, Frontier Days features music, food, games and live entertainment at the Fort Museum and Frontier Village.

The 2024 version of Frontier Days is a little more than a month away. It will be held May 31, June 1 and June 2. The theme for this year, which is the 49th version of Frontier Days, is How the West Was One.

There are ways for people to get involved.

Each edition of Frontier Days features a buckskinners camp spread out on the lawn at the south end of the museum campus. And throughout the site, there are individuals and businesses selling food and other items.

People who are interested in being at Frontier Days as a reenactor in the buckskinners camp, or who want to be a vendor at the event must file an application to do so. Those applications are now available at fortmuseumfv.com

Any individual or group who wants to have a float in that big parade snaking down Central Avenue also needs to submit an application. Parade entry applications are also at fortmuseumfv.com. They are due May 17.

Local kids also have a chance to get in on the Frontier Days action by entering a coloring contest. Two Western themed pictures to color can be found on the Fort Museum’s web site.

The coloring contest is divided into three age groups: 3 to 5 years old, 6 to 8 years old and 9 to 11 years old.

Coloring contest entries must be submitted by May 20.

We encourage people to take advantage of these opportunities to get involved in Frontier Days.