Cameron and Harrison selected as Grand Marshals of Independence Day parade

This year one of the 4th of July’s co-Grand Marshals is Mary Harrison. Mary has been involved in the community for many years in various ways. Mary grew up in Ely Nevada where her father, George Morley, owned and operated the Standard Market. Early in her life she found a love for music with various instruments, but her most prized was her saxophone, which after being played by her own children, was most recently handed down to her grandson. But the most giving instrument she has used is probably the organ. After marrying the love of her life, Gary Harrison ,and graduating from BYU with a music and elementary education degree, she began teaching in Logan, Utah. It was at that time that she and Gary started their family with twins. Pretty soon Mary’s little family made their way back to Ely and added one more girl.

Mary has done a lot of things for the community; she has been everything from a schoolteacher to a politician’s wife. While teaching in Ruth, Mary was asked to start a kindergarten program in Lund. For 2 years she taught in Lund in the mornings, then would drive to Ruth and teach in the afternoon. Twelve years later, those kindergartners from Lund sent her invitations to their high school graduation. She gave a speech at the dedication for the new WP high school and in 1999 she received Teacher of the Year in WPC. “There is something special” Mary says, “about teaching a child and watching the light in their eyes when they get it”. Mary’s mother would also volunteer at the school, helping out and reading to the kids. She became known as the school grandma. Teaching has brought great joy to Mary; she says she still runs into her former students and she is always excited to hear how they are doing.

Musically, Mary has been a pillar to the community, and she feels like music has been her biggest contribution to our community. She played music for plays and performances and taught piano and organ for years. She has played the organ for years in her church. When Kennecott was shutting down, the Methodists lost their organist, so Mary was asked to play for their church services until they were able to find a new one. That lasted 3 years. Mary says its such an honor to be Grand Marshal of the parade.

Wayne Cameron has the honor of being co-Grand Marshal for White Pine’s July 4th parade this year. Wayne was born and raised in Caliente, Nevada. He attended Lincoln High School, graduating in 1964. He then attended business college in Salt Lake City but soon moved back to Caliente. After working there for a while, and coaching Little League baseball, a job opened up in Ely at ED Light and Power. It was in Ely that Wayne met his wife, Geri. Their first date was to a WP basketball game against Lincoln. They made their home in Ruth and built a family of four, raising two sons.

After being laid off, Wayne found a job with Nevada Power in Las Vegas, but on the day they were getting ready to move, his wife informed him that she wasn’t going, she didn’t want to leave. Wayne said, “well I’m not going either then” and they have lived in the area ever since. Wayne then went to work at Kennecott. After Kennecott shut down, he moved on to Silver Kings Mine.

It was after that Wayne found himself in politics. Wayne has been in just about every committee in WP county. He held a County Commissioner position, serving 6 years in the 80’s and 6 years in the 90’s. He has done volunteer work for the Silver State Classics, Pony Express Territory, President of the Men’s Basketball League, President of the Little League, WP Horse Races, Planning Commission, Volunteer Fire Department and Public Museum. Wayne started working for the Chamber in 2010, that’s when they purchased the community Christmas tree.

In 1982 he was in charge of the softball programs in the county. They had so many teams that they didn’t have enough places to play, so Wayne went and spoke to the city manager, they met with the Fleischmaman Foundation. The Foundation granted them 3.5 million dollars to create what is now known as Marich Field. That sports complex is one of the things he is most proud of. Sports has been a big impact in Wayne’s life. Back in the 80’s they formed a fast pitch team called ELRECO, made up of Ely, Reno and Elko. Every April they would play tournaments in Southern Utah. He has played and coached basketball and baseball. He officiated basketball, softball and baseball before retiring in 2022. Wayne sponsors Player of the week for the Bristlecone Tribune also. But that wasn’t the first time he sponsored kids. When he was a Co. Commissioner, he sponsored three teams. When his wife asked him why he said “we don’t need the money” so they just spent it on the kids. He is so proud of the people that get to help him. He said he’s the leader, but he couldn’t do anything without the people around him that help. He has met so many great people over the years. Wayne was tickled to be nominated for Grand Marshal, His grandson is coming down to help him with his float and his great-granddaughters will be on the float with him.