Balaton’s ‘silent giver’ is this year’s Fun Fest grand Marshal

Balaton’s Chandler family has been putting the “fun” in Fun Fest for decades. This year, one of the most notable Chandlers will take center stage.

For years, the Chandlers have presented a homemade float in the Balaton Fun Fest Grand Parade. The fun family affair has turned into a family tradition to the point where it has become a staple of the parade, with dozens of relatives taking part.

That won’t change in 2024, but one thing that will be different is one of the most recognizable members of the family is most deservedly being singled out.

The Grand Parade will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 6, and this year’s Grand Marshal is Betty Chandler.

“She is the silent giver,” Balaton Area Chamber of Commerce President Brita Fricke said. “She’s out constantly helping people, giving rides, just blessing people in ways that we never see.”