A love story that started at a summer dance in 1962 is still waltzing on, and the Swift Current Ag & Ex has found its first ever pair of Parade Marshals.  

This year, Doug and Maxine Smith have both been crowned the title, and will be participating in a number of events around the city as the 2023 Frontier Days gets underway. 

Parade Director for this year, Andrea Slaven, said the couple was chosen for the event’s milestone—Steers and Cheers to 85 Years. 

“Doug and Maxine have done numerous things for the community,” she said. "Believe it or not, they have been attending Frontier Days, up until COVID came into play, since 1947. They have been coming to the parade helping out at Frontier Days in numerous positions, and Doug's grandfather actually started the very first lighthorse show.” 

Doug Smith has been an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Swift Current Ag & Ex since 1986 and has even sat on the Board of Directors as Vice President, and then later President.  

Maxine Smith has done it all, from baking to 4H to the Tea Room and the Women’s Institute.  

The pair now live on Doug’s grandfather’s homestead and have four children, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. The whole family looks forward to Frontier Days every year.  

Folks will get to meet the Parade Marshals at the pancake breakfast hosted by WW Smith Insurance on June 28 at 7:30 a.m., when they’ll do the burning of the Frontier Days brand at Market Square.  The Smiths will of course also be in the Cadillac at the July 1 parade.