About

Mission Statement

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.

WHAT IS 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.
  • An independent, 501C3 charitable organization not funded by Village of Arlington Heights’ tax dollars.
  • Cited by Daily Herald readers as the BEST OF THE BEST festival 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 49 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 donated more than 2.5 million dollars in excess funds 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.

Board of Directors 2025