By Per Peterson
Pamela Roylance, aka Sarah Carter from the hit TV series “Little House on the Prairie,” has been told of how special visiting Walnut Grove in July can be, so she is especially excited to be making the trip for the first time this year for the 45th anniversary of the show.
“I’ve heard so much about this event over the years and have always wanted to attend,” she said. “I’m glad this year gives me the opportunity to join the fun. I can’t wait to see all the things I’ve heard about and to meet the supportive people who love the books and the TV show as much as I.”
And the thought of reuniting with fellow cast members brings a smile to her face, especially considering her fellow Carter family members will be in Walnut Grove as well.
Roylance is one of many stars who will be in Walnut Grove for the second week of the pageant on July 12-13 during this, the 42nd year of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant, Fragments of a Dream. She will be joined by Charlotte Stewart, Allison Arngrim, Dean Butler, David Friedman, Wendi Lou Lee, Sidney Greenbush, Radames Pera, Lindsay Kennedy and Hersha Parady. Six of the celebrities have been in Walnut Grove before.
“We’re excited,” said Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum Director Amy Foster. “Those who are coming back have been great in the past. They’re good visitors, they love the tourists. It brings in more people for one weekend specifically, but it does bring in more people overall. They want to see the stars, that’s their goal.”
Pera, who played John Jr. on the hit TV series, welcomes the chance to return as a guest of the Walnut Grove community. He was here for the 40th anniversary — a visit he called “sublime.” He said he’s looking forward to meeting returning fans and seeing new ones for the first time.
See this week’s Headlight Herald for more on this article.