Carollee and Fred Gunnell. Photo by Tom Noreen

The Red Flannel Festival Board of Directors selected Solon Township residents Fred and Carollee Gunnell as the 2010 Grand Marshal for the 71st Annual Celebration, to be held on Saturday, October 2, 2010.

“The Festival is extremely proud and thankful for the many years of outstanding dedication of both Fred and Carollee to the entire Cedar Springs community,” said Michele Tracy Andres, President of the Festival. “Their fabulous community service in several organizations, and their strong support of the Festival are very impressive and just what we look for in a Red Flannel Grand Marshal. It’s very obvious Fred and Carollee love Cedar Springs and the Red Flannel Festival!”

The Gunnells did not expect the honor. “We were surprised,” said Fred, “but we’re happy to do it and look forward to it.”

Fred has been a prominent leader in the community, volunteering his time to several organizations on the Board of Directors, including the Cedar Springs Rotary, Historical Society, Rod & Gun Club and United Methodist Church. He is also a member of the Solon Township Board of Trustees, and serves on the Solon Township Planning Commission. Carollee is very active in the United Methodist Church Choir and served on the Cedar Springs Historical Society Board of Directors and also on the Solon Township Board of Review. She also is a caregiver for the elderly.

Both Fred and Carollee attended Cedar Springs High School, and went on to complete their education at Michigan State University. Fred was the Director of Admission for Michigan Technological University in Houghton; and Carollee was an elementary school teacher for many years in Hancock, Michigan.

To donate to the Red Flannel Festival, an independent, non-profit 501(c)3 organization, view the Festival’s website at www.redflannelfestival.org or mail to RFF, PO Box 43, Cedar Springs, MI 49319.