Longtime Frankfort Chamber Staffer Named Fall Fest Grand Marshal

FRANKFORT, IL — A Frankfort Chamber of Commerce staffer who has had a long association with the Frankfort Fall Festival has been named the grand marshal for the event's annual parade in September. Marla Krippel, who has worked at the chamber for two decades, was chosen because of the time and energy she's devoted to the festival over the years, said 2018 chairman Bob Peters.

"This year marks Marla's 20th anniversary with the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce. Given Marla's endless contributions to the Fall Festival over the years and this being our 50th anniversary of the festival, what better way to celebrate two monumental occasions?" Peters told Patch. "It's a very exciting time for Frankfort, and Marla deserves the honor."

A year before she started working at the chamber, Krippel volunteered with the festival in 1997, answering phones during the busy period a week before the event, said Kris Pasquini, the chamber's events and communications coordinator. In fact, it was because she enjoyed her volunteer experience that she applied for a job at the chamber as an administrative assistant, Pasquini added.

"It's an honor to be chosen," Krippel said about being selected as grand marshal.

Since her first time working on Fall Festival, Krippel has spent much of her time with the festival's Artisan Committee, helping to process around 350 applications annually, send out acceptance letters and handle other duties. Her work with the festival has led to her getting to know many of the artists who regularly attend the Labor Day weekend event, as well as the festival volunteers, who she says "are so delightful to work with."

The 2018 Frankfort Fall Festival runs from Sept. 1-3 in the village's historic downtown, and the parade is Sept. 2. The event draws more than 250,000 visitors each year and features the work of more than 300 artisans from around the country. Carnival rides, food and live music also are highlights of the festival, which has the theme of "Escape to Paradise" this year.

Go to the Frankfort Fall Festival website for more details.

Longtime Frankfort Chamber of Commerce staffer Marla Krippel with 2018 Frankfort Fall Festival chairman Bob Peters. (Photo via the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce)