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50th Annual Frontier Days · July 1–5, 2026
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Where Arlington Heights spends the Fourth.

“Frontier Days runs on neighbors, not nine-to-fivers.” Five days, one park, no ticket — since 1976.

Mission Statement

Five days that belong to the neighborhood.

Frontier Days, Inc., also known 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.

Crowd at the outdoor Frontier Days Festival with a Ferris wheel and food stands in the background under a blue sky.

About The Festival

  • A not-for-profit, self-sustaining organization, Frontier Days, Inc. is comprised of dedicated adult volunteers ages 18 through 80+ assisted by teen volunteers ages 12-17 who have brought the Festival to our community for 50 years.
  • An independent, 501C3 charitable organization not funded by Village of Arlington Heights’ tax dollars.
  • The 2026 winner of the Pam Stocking Hearts of Gold Award
  • Cited numerous times by Daily Herald readers as the BEST OF THE BEST festivals in the Northwest suburbs.
  • The 4th of July Parade has been cited numerous times by Daily Herald readers as the BEST OF THE BEST parades in the Northwest suburbs.
  • A 3-time recipient of the Governor’s Hometown Award.
  • The Board of Directors and Co-Chairmen (operational heads) work with Area Coordinators, Activity/Event Chairmen, and “Red Shirt” volunteers to stage this wonderful community event.
  • Held over the 4th of July for the last 50 years, the Festival offers:
    • Many FREE family events and sports activities along with carnival rides and one of the largest Fourth of July Parades in the Northwest suburbs.
    • FREE Entertainment on three stages.
    • Great food prepared and served by volunteers, assisted by local community groups.
    • Citizens with Disabilities Day – a complimentary, fun-filled event for people with special needs and their immediate families.
    • A 5K and 10K Walk/Run (“The Stampede”) and Kids’ Race
  • The Festival has provided almost 3 million dollars in donations to the Village, Park District and many other not-for-profit groups.
  • The Arlington Heights Park District, the Village of Arlington Heights, and many local businesses help support the Festival Committee in various ways with this award-winning event.
  • There is a special feeling about The Festival. Those who volunteer come to enjoy the real spirit of community. Many say it’s like an old-fashioned “Home Town Gathering.”
  • Most importantly, the Frontier Days Festival is an example of a community who works together to make Arlington Heights a unique place to live.

Leadership

Board of Directors 2026

Three of the people who keep the gates open.

President

Pat Peery

pat.peery@frontierdays.org

Vice President

Steve Kornblum

steve.kornblum@frontierdays.org

Secretary

Karen Miller

karen.miller@frontierdays.org

Board member

Carmella Lowth

carmella.lowth@frontierdays.org

Board member

Donna Jonas

donna.jonas@frontierdays.org

Board member

Maureen Cooke

maureen.cooke@frontierdays.org

Board member

Sean Siegel

sean.siegel@frontierdays.org

2026 Co-Chairman

Jim Glueckert

jim.glueckert@frontierdays.org

2026 Co-Chairman

Patrick Flaherty

patrick.flaherty@frontierdays.org