There's no better place to celebrate America's 250th birthday than right here on the shores of Lake Michigan — and Frankfort has a full week of events lined up to make it one for the history books.
Leading the charge this year is someone who has witnessed nearly half of America's entire history firsthand. The Frankfort-Elberta Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to name Evelyn Rommell as the Grand Marshal of the 2026 4th of July Parade. The honor couldn't be more fitting: Evelyn will be celebrating her 100th birthday on July 4th, making her the perfect person to lead our community down Main Street on the most patriotic day of the year.
Born in North Carolina on July 4th, 1926, Evelyn moved to Benzie County as a child and built a life deeply rooted in this community. She married her husband Robert Rommell in 1946, and together they owned the Elberta Sports Shop and Tiny Bubbles Charter, a family business now carried on by the fourth generation of Rommells. A true community pillar, Evelyn served on the Elberta Village Council, was a founding member of the Elberta Parks and Recreation Commission, led Girl Scout troops for many years, and organized dances at the Elberta gym that brought neighbors together for decades. Today, she is surrounded by an extraordinary family — 6 children, 5 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren — and she still loves spending time with family, doing crossword puzzles, and staying active.
Please join us in celebrating Evelyn as she marks this extraordinary milestone in grand Frankfort fashion.
Frankfort’s 4th of July festivities begin with the popular Medallion Hunt, running July 1–4. Daily clues will be released at 10:00 AM each morning at the Chamber Office, located at 1311 Forest Avenue. Find the medallion and you'll win $150! If it hasn't been claimed by July 4th, a bonus clue will be released that morning.
INDEPENDENCE DAY — SATURDAY, JULY 4TH
9:30 AM: Decorated Bike Contest at Coastline Cycles
10:00 AM: Annual 4th of July Parade
Register online at frankfort-elberta.com by Wednesday, July 1
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Koegel Hot Dog Sale at The First Congregational Church of Frankfort
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Art in the Park at Mineral Springs Park, featuring over 65 local and regional artists
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Sandcastle Contest at Frankfort Beach
7:00 PM: Live DJ Entertainment at Frankfort Beach, setting the stage for the evening
Approx. 10:30 PM: Fireworks Display over Frankfort Beach
Want to help light up the night? Donations toward the fireworks display are gratefully accepted via the QR code on event flyers or online at givebutter.com/oEutRG.
For a complete schedule of events and more information, call 231.352.7251 or visit frankfort-elberta.com.
