About Frontier Days
In 1975, looking for a way to celebrate our nation's 200 year birthday, a Bicentennial Commission was appointed by the Village of Arlington Heights to host a village wide celebration. After a successful first event, the committee stayed together and began what has become an annual 4th of July celebration that is now in its 35th year. Frontier Days, also know as "The Festival", has been cited several times by readers of the Daily Herald as the finest festival in the northwest suburbs and has been a recipient of the Governor's Hometown Award three times.
Frontier Days, Inc. is a not-for-profit, self-sustaining organization of over 500 volunteers. Members include adults ages 21 through 80+ who are assisted by a sub-committee of teens who also volunteer their time. The Arlington Heights Park District, the Village of Arlington Heights, and many local businesses help the Festival Committee to present this award-winning event. However Frontier Days, Inc. is an independent organization that receives none of its funding from either the Village of Arlington Heights or the Park District.
The Festival Committee elects nine members to its Board of Directors which is the governing body of the organization. The Board approves the two Co-Chairmen who are the operational heads of the organization. The Co-Chairmen, with their Area Coordinators, Activity/Event Chairmen, and the rest of the "Red-Shirt" volunteers stage this community event.
The Festival features FREE entertainment on three stages; great food prepared and served by volunteers; many FREE family events and sports activities; a scholarship contest; carnival rides; and one of the largest Fourth of July Parades in the suburbs. One of the Festival's highlights is the Citizen's with Disability Day when the entire park is closed to everyone except people with special needs and their immediate families.
The Festival Committee is proud to be part of the Arlington Heights community. Over the years the Festival has donated more than two million dollars in excess funds to the Village, Park District and many other not-for-profit groups. The Festival funds have provided equipment and helped with one time needs for the Village, Park District, Teen Center, Senior Center, Scout groups, and many other social service groups.
There is a special feeling about each Festival. Those who volunteer come to enjoy the real spirit of community. Many say it is like an old-fashioned "home town gathering". Frontier Days, Inc. is an example of a community of people who work together to make Arlington Heights a unique place to live and exemplify why we are called
"THE VILLAGE OF GOOD NEIGHBORS"
The Mission Statement of Frontier Days, Inc.
Frontier Days, Inc., also know as "The Festival," is a not-for-profit
organization whose membership is comprised of hundreds of volunteers.
The goal of these members is to plan, organize and implement an annual Fourth
of July celebration filled with activities intended to appeal to all age
groups and to benefit the community.
2010 Frontier Days, Inc. Board of Directors
Janelle Kulisch, President - janelle.kulisch@frontierdays.org
Pat Peery, Vice President - pat.peery@frontierdays.org
Dave Nigliazzo, Treasurer - dave.nigliazzo@frontierdays.org
Kay Leck, Secretary - kay.leck@frontierdays.org
Erv Campbell - erv.campbell@frontierdays.org
Ryan Danzinger - ryan.danzinger@frontierdays.org
Tom Hahn - tom.hahn@frontierdays.org
Gary Lenz - gary.lenz@frontierdays.org
Carol Schleker - carol.schleker@frontierdays.org
David Wiltse, CoChairman - david.wiltse@frontierdays.org
LeAnn Lenz, CoChairman - leann.lenz@frontierdays.org
