Arlington Heights’ Frontier Days a Huge Success

With slightly more than 80,000 in attendance over the five-day festival, Frontier Days was a huge success this year. 

The beautiful weather, which stayed sunny and bearable in the 80’s and 90’s, was one factor that Frontier Days Co-Chair Pat Peery was thankful for.

“This year’s attendance numbers were great and the beautiful weather had so much to do with that," Peery said. “Temperatures last year were so hot, and definitely [negatively] affected attendance.”

Peery, along with co-chair Ruth Hierl had the mighty task of organizing the huge endeavor, which started back in the fall of 2012.

“After the event ends, we wrap up in August, but by October we start to get our coordinators for next year. We are already starting to recruit our volunteers for 2014,” Peery said.

For anyone interested in getting involved, visit the Frontier Days membership page to learn more.  

In addition to adult volunteers, Peery said young people also can become a part of the Frontier Days team.

There is a Teen Team, made up of young people 12-18 years-of-age who can help in a number of areas. The Adult Team, for those 19 and 20 years-of-age, also are invited to become part of the Frontier Days volunteers. People 21 and over can be what are called, "red shirts" who are official Frontier Days board members. 

“This way, a family can come down and the children can be a part of the event, too,” Peery said.

The big entertainment draw this year was Brett Michaels. Peery said numbers have been estimated at just under 20,000 the night of his performance.

Peery said though it was a monumental task, there are many things about Frontier Days she believes are truly gratifying, despite the work.

Disability Day on Saturday, July 6, where 600 people enjoyed the carnival is one of them, Peery said. 

Those who take part in it either have disabilities or are family members.

“It is so nice to see these people enjoy the carnival, we give them lunch, there is a DJ and they just have great fun,” Peery said.

In all, Peery said there were 350 active volunteers for Frontier Days during the five-day period. She added there were numerous events for the whole family to enjoy, many of which are provided at no cost to attendees. 

The Frontier Days board also is in charge of the parade. This year, Peery said there were 100 different participants, which also was considered a great success.

For Peery, a very special part of the event was when Sammy Davis spoke. He is one of only 60 Medal of Honor recipients from all wars fought by U.S. soldiers, and the man who was the inspiration for the movie Forrest Gump. He was the parade's grand marshal and made a speech on the main stage July 4.

“His words were very touching, he is an amazing man and made many people teary, including myself,” she said.

If you are interested in learning more about getting involved in Frontier Days 2014, visit their website.