Alongside fireworks, American Flags and hot dogs, on July 3, senior Jamie Elrod was crowned Freedom Festival Queen. The Fenton Chamber of Commerce holds an annual Freedom Festival, and crowns a king and queen each year, chosen from a pool of applicants.

“I decided to apply because I am extremely active in many of Fenton’s events and I love all the people in Fenton,” Elrod said. “I think we have such a powerful community here and I really wanted to represent the city as queen.”

The Queen is responsible for attending local events such as Jinglefest, the Taste of Fenton and the Fenton Expo, as well as acting like a role model for young members of the Fenton community. This year, in contrast to previous years, there was no Freedom Festival King.

“I think having a king would have been nice so that I would have someone to be with when we go to all the Fenton events,” Elrod said, “but the Chamber is a huge support system so I know I don’t have to worry.”

Elrod was crowned at the annual Fourth of July ski show, presented by the Silver Lake Water ski team.

“It was honestly one of the most exciting days of my life when I found out,” Elrod said. “I really wanted to be Freedom Festival Queen, and when I found out I was thrilled. Both the queen and king from last year were there. I had to talk in front of everyone at the ski show and even though I was a little nervous it was overall an amazing experience”

Only rising seniors, (current rising juniors) can apply to be the 2019 Freedom Festival King or Queen. For more information, click here.