The Chamber of Commerce kicked off Fenton’s annual Freedom Festival Parade this Fourth of July. This year, after interviewing a pool of applicants, the city crowned seniors Jacob Novak and Kaitlin Gruber as Freedom Festival King and Queen.

“I was beyond honored to be chosen as the Freedom Festival King,” Novak said. “Being King means a lot of different things to me. It means I serve as an example to the community as well as a role model to those wanting to reach and achieve more, hopefully inspiring them to reach for their dreams and accomplish what they desire.”

The pair was crowned at the annual Fourth of July ski show at Silver Lake beach, put on by the Silver Lake Water ski team. On the fourth, the two rode in the parade while representing the city.

“My favorite part about being in the parade was seeing all the people I knew cheering me on,” Gruber said. “It was a great feeling knowing there were so many people there to support me. It was such an honor to be picked and have this opportunity to enjoy the amazing experience.”

The King and Queen are responsible for attending a variety of different events in Fenton. They make appearances at Jinglefest, the Taste of Fenton and the Fenton Expo, as well as act as a role model for young members of the community. 

“Interacting with the kids during the parade was surreal,” Novak said. “Anytime you would smile or wave back at them, they’d get this big smile and you could tell you made their whole day.”

All incoming juniors are able to apply to become the 2020 Freedom Festival King and Queen.