MANISTEE — Barbara Heidel has been named the 2025 Grand Marshal of the Manistee National Forest Festival, an event celebrating the natural heritage of Manistee County.
According to a June 3 news release, Heidel, who recently retired after a 36-year career with the US Forest Service, will lead the Independence Day Parade on July 4 in Manistee.
“At first I was surprised,” Heidel said. “I’m not a person who likes to draw a lot of attention to myself. But being able to advocate for what the forest service does, the hard work that gets done… sometimes it’s a little messy, and sometimes it’s not always popular. But it’s important work, and I’m proud to represent that work.”
The Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce selected Heidel as Grand Marshal based on her contributions to the quality of life in Manistee County. These contributions include her involvement in civic and social services, as well as her personal achievements.
Carmen Kott, President & CEO of the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the festival’s tribute to the natural heritage and community spirit of Manistee County.
“As we return to the festival’s roots, we celebrate the forests that have long been a source of pride and identity for our region,” she said. “Heidel’s dedication to both the land and local tradition is a perfect reflection of that spirit. We’re proud to have it represented in this year’s parade.”
Heidel grew up in Detroit but was drawn to rural life, influenced by her family’s trips ‘up North’ to camp, fish, hike and ski.
She earned a Forestry Degree from Michigan State University and worked in Colorado before returning to Michigan.
Beyond her work with the forest service, Heidel is active in the community as the president of the Arc of Manistee, which provides services and advocacy for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
She also serves on the board of the Area 24 Special Olympics, where she coaches snowshoeing, swimming and basketball.
The Independence Day Parade will begin at the corner of River Street and Division Street, proceed through Downtown Manistee, and conclude at the Armory Youth Project on First Street.
With Heidel at the helm, the Manistee National Forest Festival promises to honor the region’s natural beauty and community spirit, highlighting her lifelong dedication to public service and environmental stewardship.