Ginny Meets The Munchkins
By Ginny Sayre

I made the pilgrimage to Grand Rapids, Minnesota in 2001 Judy Garland Festival with family. With my Mother, my great aunt, and my cousins -- we drove to Grand Rapids not knowing exactly what to expect. Once we were in town, my cousin Alex began to notice that everything was finally sinking in, that I was about to walk in Judy Garland's shoes for a while and began to fidget nervously.

The family whom I dragged along with me... ;)

Walking to the Sawmill Inn was a journey in itself. I was never a star struck person before Judy Garland waltzed into my life, so when I stepped out of the van and saw Jerry Marren appearing from a limosine with his wife -- I was stunned to find myself staring in awe of these sweet little people. What makes this even worse, is that I had met both of them earlier at the Children's Museum in my area and I was still shocked to see the two of them.

The first thing I did with my cousin after the shock of seeing Mr. Marren and his sweetheart of a wife, was walk over to Judy's birthplace -- which is next door to the Inn. Right as we got up to the sidewalk, the limosine pulled up once again and Jerry and his wife walked up to the Museum. They said "hi" to my cousin and I and told us to be careful of slipping on the temporary path up to the house. Feeling very silly indeed, I muttered my "thank you." After the couple had gone into the musuem on their personally guided tour, my cousin and I went into the museum shop for a little bit. This did not go without teasing, every time I retrace the steps Judy once took, I tend to get a little over emotional.

Me in front of the Birthplace

The rest of the day, really had nothing to do with Miss Garland for me, except going to a small mall in town, which later I found out was the real site of the birth house -- the shock of the whole drive up and a munchkin or two popping out of a limo must have done the trick of tiring me out! It also rained, so that put a damper on the candlelight vigil.

The next morning brought more encounters with the Munchkins, not just the Marrens this time. The day started off with "Breakfast With The Munchkins," where we were able to talk with the Munchkins and get autographs. The one whom I talked to most, was Meinhardt Raabe. He was so sweet and generous with my cousin and I, it was absolutely wonderful speaking to this fellow.

Me, my cousin, and Meinhardt Raabe

After meeting the Munckins that made the journey to Grand Rapids, I found myself in a small theater watching Summer Stock. I have been extremely lucky, living where I do, as I've seen a majority of Judy's pictures on the big screen, but it is always a treat to see Judy larger than life -- where she really belonged. After Summer Stock, was a showing of The Wizard of Oz. This is a film that needs to be seen on the big screen, after at least five viewings on the big screen, I can honestly say -- that every time it seems fresh and new!

That evening, Caren Marsh-Doll (Judy's stand-in for Oz) spoke about her career before and after The Wizard of Oz and her relationship with Judy. Ms. Marsh-Doll gave insights into Judy's life and little remembrances that were eloquently stated and beautiful. It's always nice to hear about Judy from someone who knew her, even if only for a short time as this woman had.

Margaret Pelligrini and I

The end of my journey was nearing the next day, I was unable to stay for the last day of the festival. I did not want to torture my patient family members too much -- so, before bidding adieu to Grand Rapids, I visited the Judy Garland Birthplace on a guided tour and then went directly to the Garland Children's Museum. The house is beautifully restored, it is not often you even find a house that has the same wooden frames or floors, but this one still did! All the furniture in the house is not original, naturally not, but still gives you a feel for the time period Judy was living there. The JG Children's museum was wonderful as well, beautifully done exhibit with Judy artifacts. Both are a must see for any fan of Judy's.

I will never forget my pilgrimage to Grand Rapids, Minnesota. The town is beautiful and the people are so very nice. I hope to go to another festival again and meet some of you!