Central Newsmagazine News

Central Newsmagazine is Central St. Louis County's exclusive direct-mailed community newspaper.

Frontenac Festival to display inner workings for community

By Casey Godwin

Frontenac residents will have a chance to get an in-depth look at city functions and meet the people who make it happen at the Frontenac Festival, set for May 17.

This will be the third year for the festival, which City Administrator Bob Shelton feels is a fun way for residents to get to know the city.

“We have had a good turnout in the past and I think it’s something the residents appreciate,” Shelton said. “We really do offer well-rounded services and this gives people a chance to see what we do and meet their elected officials.”

Residents will have a chance to see the equipment used by the police and fire departments, and public works.

Frontenac has invited citizens of Huntleigh and Crystal Lake Park to the event as the Frontenac police and fire departments service all three areas. Twenty-one police officers and a fire department of 13 fire fighters and one medical officer serve the three municipalities.

New to the event this year, a DWI simulator will be conducted by the Police Department. Participants will wear altered vision goggles to simulate impairment and drive a slow-paced golf cart.

“We want to enlighten the public on the dangers of drinking and driving,” said Captain Mark Guttmann. “People should know that even a slight impairment is dangerous.”

Shelton said he hopes the simulator would discourage anyone from trying to drive a vehicle after having a few drinks.

The St. Louis County Police Department and ARCH Air Medical Service will be landing helicopters at the event to give residents a first-hand look.

Children will have a wide assortment of activities including face painting, a slide, and a chance to get a photo with a Clydesdale horse.

The city will provide refreshments, including hotdogs and hamburgers. Residents may contribute food to help offset the city’s costs. Area businesses will have a variety of giveaways for those who come out.

The Frontenac Festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 17 at the Frontenac City Complex, 10555 Clayton Road. For more information, contact Bob Shelton at 314-994-3200.