Each year, in anticipation of the September community festival, James J. Hill Days, the Steering Committee selects a Parade Grand Marshal—a beloved local figure who truly embodies the spirit of our celebration. Over the years, we’ve had the honor of spotlighting many remarkable grand marshals, and this year, we are thrilled to celebrate Chace Anderson as our star! In honor of his 18 years of service to Wayzata as the Superintendent of Wayzata Public Schools, Chace is a cherished member of the community. We are delighted to have him lead the parade on Sunday, September 13, at 3 pm.
Below is a snippet of the interview with Chace Anderson and Sun Sailor Reporter Jay Morgan. Click here to see the full article featured in the latest September Sun Sailor insert.
As Anderson says farewell to the Wayzata School District this year, naming him grand marshal of the popular James J. Hill Days festival seems fitting, given his support for the community, students, parents and teachers throughout the years.
“I’m honored that a group of dignitaries like the Wayzata West Metro Chamber would consider me worthy of being the Grand Marshal. I’ve never been a Grand Marshal before so I can add it to my list of happenings in life,” Anderson shared.
Beginning his education career in 1982, Anderson experienced almost every position available in education, including teacher, coach, principal and administrator. Receiving his bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa, his master’s degree from the University of Nebraska and his doctorate from the University of Minnesota, he brought extensive knowledge, commitment and innovation to the district.
“It’s a really nice honor for me personally but I think, more importantly, it recognizes the collective impact that all my teammates in the school district, school board, our parents, students and staff,” Anderson added. “It recognizes how we all work together to hopefully have a lot of positive impact in the community part of which is comprised in the city of Wayzata, the businesses, and all the constituents that are most tightly connected to the city so it’s certainly really exciting for me but I mostly accept the honor on behalf of the school district, a place that I love a great deal and was so happy to be able to serve in for 18 years.”
Anderson saw the growth of Wayzata Schools in real time, from 9,500 students to over 13,000. Since Anderson became Superintendent, Wayzata Schools saw many changes with his help, including the construction of two new elementary schools, an addition to Wayzata High School, and the most recently passed referendum.
Having been retired for only about six weeks, Anderson was surprised to receive the email sharing he had been chosen as the Grand Marshal. Since becoming part of the Wayzata community, he has attended the James J. Hill Days parade and festivities but will now gain an entirely new perspective.
“This kind of celebration is important for communities, to create events that provide a gathering space for those that comprise the community. It’s that engagement with other constituents of the community that I think keeps it vibrant and robust and reinforces that there are a lot of individuals that come together to create a community. Everyone brings their own unique talent and expertise. Collectively, they create not only fun celebrations and events for people to spend family time with and to connect with friends but also, reinforces the importance of that teamwork and working together to ensure that all those who engage in, live within the community, recognize the important role that they play. Their time together strengthens that common commitment to a larger cause and to the city,” Anderson shared.
Anderson is set to be front and center of the James J. Hill Days parade starting at 3 p.m. People of all ages are invited to enjoy seeing the floats, hearing the marching band play, and supporting Anderson, local businesses and city officials as they walk down Lake Street on Sunday, Sept. 13.
