Terrie Casagrande 2023 Frontier Days Parade Grand Marshall

The Frontier Days Parade Grand Marshal for 2023 is the beloved Terrie Casagrande, a fixture in Whitehall for more than four decades.

Casagrande, along with her husband Bob (Cas), who passed in 2021, raised their family in Whitehall, becoming local legends in the ranching and car show communities. Terrie and Bob’s smiling faces were always available at brandings, cattle drives, get-togethers, and car shows.

Over her 42 years in Whitehall, Casagrande believes that a lot has changed for the better.

“It has cleaned up a lot. The people here are proud of their buildings and do a lot to enhance them. The murals are beautiful and attract a lot of tourists,” she said.

“I try to support everything Whitehall because it needs support to be able to continue on a positive note,” Casagrande said, noting that she volunteers at the hospice garage often. However, her favorite memories are working the ranch with Cas, driving her tractor, and raising their four children (BJ, Cory, Carrie, and Callie).

“Cas had the two boys and I had the two girls and we merged families and we survived!” Terrie said with a laugh. “We had a great life in Whitehall.”

Terrie’s advice to Whitehall newcomers?

“Get involved. Become a part of the service groups in Whitehall, especially if you want to see the community survive. Pitch in as much as you can, she said.

A longtime friend of the family, Thomas Jenkin has much to say about the Casagrande family.

“A community is usually defined as a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.

“We all have to bring our own contribution if we want to make our community a better place. It doesn’t have to be something huge as long as you are kind and willing to help others in need, you’ll be a great community member.

“This is where Terrie comes in. She and the Casagrande family have volunteered for and been members of many charitable groups for decades, always helping in whatever way they can. Terrie also takes part as an individual at various events to make sure she is doing what she can. Never looking for recognition or a pat on the back, just participation in making the community better is the reward.

“It was once said by the World Champion Canadian Curler Sherry Anderson Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless. That’s Terrie and Company,” Jenkin said.

The Whitehall Frontier Days Parade will venture down Legion Avenue with Terrie Casagrande at the head of the parade on Saturday, July 29 at 11 AM. Mrs. Casagrande will be escorted in her convertible by Al and Danny Johnson, the Bill Baycroft and Bob Casagrande Memorial Rod Run coordinators.