Mention Frontier Days and perhaps the first thing that comes to mind for many people is the massive parade that moves through downtown Fort Dodge. It’s a signature part of a traditional three-day event which celebrates the frontier heritage of the community 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 2026 version of Frontier Days is a little more than a month away. It will be held June 5-7. The theme for this year, which is the 51st version of Frontier Days, is “Passport to the Past.”

There are ways for people to get involved.

Volunteers are needed to complete a long list of tasks throughout the event to make it a success. Organizers of Frontier Days are seeking those volunteers right now.

A volunteer meeting will be held at 2:30 p.m. May 17 in the Opera House on the Fort Museum grounds. Anyone interested in helping should go to that meeting. We’re sure no one will be turned away.

Any individual or group who wants to have a float in that big parade snaking down Central Avenue needs to submit an application. Parade entry applications can be found on the Fort Museum’s website at www.fortmuseumfv.com.

Those parade entry applications are due May 17, so groups and individuals contemplating a parade appearance need to get their applications in.

Business owners and managers considering financial support for the annual event can also find information on that website. Frontier Days Partnership Business memberships are available.

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