Congratulations to our 2025 Grand Marshal:
Larry Petersen
Stanton Old Fashioned Days is pleased to honor Larry Petersen as this year’s Grand Marshal. Anyone who knows Larry would agree that he is certainly one of our “All-Stars” in the Stanton community.
As a lifelong resident of Stanton, Larry graduated from Stanton Rural Agriculture School in 1957. He first went to Michigan Agricultural School (currently MSU) before transferring to Central Michigan University, where he received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Education.
Larry started teaching at Stanton Agricultural School in 1961, which became Central Montcalm in 1965. He taught Social Studies and coached at CM for 32 years before retiring.
In addition to teaching and coaching, Larry has continuously served our community over the years in various capacities, some of which include serving on Stanton City Commission, being elected Mayor twice (once in the 70’s and again from 2016-17, at which point he resigned upon the death of his wife, Sherry), and serving on the Central Montcalm School Board.
When asked for his thoughts on being named the 2025 Grand Marshal of SOFD, he stated that although he was somewhat surprised, he is very pleased to have been given the honor, and noted, “I’ve spent a lot of time serving this City, a lot of time teaching and coaching, and I am greatly pleased to have this recognition after all that I have given to this community.” He also recalled a sweet memory when he and his wife, Sherry, also had the privilege of being the Grand Marshals for the CM Homecoming parade several years ago, and remembered it being a lot of fun.
With all of Larry’s community involvements, it is no surprise that Larry also has a history of helping out with the Stanton Old Fashioned Days Festivals of the past, as a former Master of Ceremonies for the Talent Show and Queen’s Pageant for many years, along with working the Chicken BBQ as a dedicated member of the Lions Club.
In more recent times, he can always be found out and about during festival, watching his grandkids, who have been involved in the talent show, pageants and parades. He had a proud grandpa moment as he shared that one of his granddaughters, Hailey Petersen, was Jr. Miss Stanton in 2016.
As for what he looks forward to the most? He said that he loves being able to walk downtown and see faces that he hasn’t seen in years. Overall, he stated, “This festival is a good representation of Stanton and its people. I would like to see it continue to be a good thing for this community, something we can be proud of.” Thank you, Larry. We hope to make you and our community proud of Festival 2025!