2010 Frontier Days Grand Marshal
Pictured are (l. to r.): 2010 General Chair Dianne Barmes, Grand Marshal Wilma Campbell, and Vice Chair Lisa Blakeney
It is tradition that each year, the Frontier Days Board selects a community member that has shown great support to the Charlotte community as its Frontier Days Grand Marshal. The Grand Marshal represents Charlotte in the annual Frontier Days Parade and is the guest of honor at all Frontier Days events, including the rodeo and the Queen’s Pageant.
This year, the board got the entire community involved by asking for nominations for this high honor. There was a tremendous response but none compared to one in particular.
The Frontier Days board was presented a letter nominating Wilma Campbell for Grand Marshal. It also came with a list of over 200 names of individuals supporting the nomination attached.
As a lifelong resident of Charlotte, Wilma became active in the community as a teenager, helping with Eldred Toutant’s Recreation program, and participating in the Charlotte Oriole Band. She and her sister Lucille co-directed several Civic Theatre plays in Charlotte as well, choosing mainly musicals to be preformed.
Entertainment has always been a part of Wilma’s life. As a senior in high school, she owned and operated Campbell Dance Studio starting in 1954. She shared her expertise and passion of dancing with her students that now spans generations.
Wilma Campbell has been a part of helping make Frontier Days a success almost from the festival’s beginning. When Frontier Days began in 1971, she enjoyed the festival but thought it could use additional entertainment. Wilma called on several young women who had danced with her growing up and formed the first group of Dancing Deputies in 1975. The group has become known somewhat of a trademark of the festival ever since.
To friends, family and acquaintances, Wilma exemplifies the qualities the Frontier Days Board looks for in a candidate.
Wilma’s daughter Lori Campbell described her mother as “an encourager of others, sharing her positive thoughts and sunny disposition.”
Today she continues to teach through computer classes at Eaton Area Senior Center and directs the Musical Madness program at the Center.
One of Wilma’s friends Sandy, commented that Wilma “taught a lot more than Tap; there was a lot of self confidence, self esteem, teamwork, and pride that was included in her lessons.”
Article and Photo credited to Lindsy Crandell, The County Journal
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