CUTLINE: Majorie Phillips will be the grand marshall for the Wadena Day parade, which is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 15

Marjorie Phillips to be grand marshal

Brian Smith
Contributing Writer

Marjorie Phillips has been chosen to be the grand marshal for this year’s Wadena Day parade, which will be held on Sunday, Sept. 15, in Wadena. The parade is scheduled for 2:30 p.m., with a roast beef dinner to be held by the Wadena-Illyria Betterment Committee from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Legion Hall.

Phillips, a longtime Wadena area resident, was born in Fayette in 1929. She came to Wadena to operate a tavern in 1952, and did so until 1966. She also worked as a babysitter for children of local families for many years. She is the mother of two sons, Rusty Phillips of rural Elgin and Travis Phillips of Oelwein. She has four grandchildren, whom she was also able to babysit frequently over the years. 

Phillips was notified of being chosen as grand marshal by Woody and Kay Thomas, members of the selection committee from the Wadena-Illyria Betterment Committee. The committee compiles a list of possible candidates for grand marshal of the parade each year, looking to honor residents who have lived in and contributed to the community of Wadena for an extended period of time.

“I wasn’t sure what they were asking when they called me to see if I would accept. I thought about it for a while and then decided to go ahead and do it,” related Phillips, who has lived in town, as well as in the Grannis Hollow area outside of Wadena.

In addition to babysitting, Marjorie has enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and gardening, during her years in Wadena. When asked what she remembers about the parade in years past, she recalls that the marching band from the school used to be a lot bigger than it has been in recent years. She herself used to play the saxophone in band while in school.

Phillips isn’t sure yet what vehicle she will be riding in during the parade. She does have an idea of what she might like, though.

“My grandson, Colby, has a bright orange Camaro that is a convertible. He is trying to sell it, but maybe if he hasn’t sold it by then, I can ride in that,” she said with a laugh.

Whatever she rides in, Marjorie will be sure to receive lots of smiles and waves from the crowd as she presides over the 2013 Wadena Day parade.