The white frame home in which Gumm spent her childhood years still stands on the south edge of town along Highway 169. Grand Rapids will roll out the yellow brick road to welcome visitors with a 5 p.m. social hour, dinner and program at the Sawmill Inn Thursday. It will mark the 31st anniversary of her death. Veteran journalist William Wright will discuss Garland's final public appearances in London and her death. It premiered Aug. 15, 1939.
Admission is charged for the double feature.
A dinner and silent auction follows with the social hour at 7 p.m. in the Sawmill with Rooney's wife performing. The Judy Garland Birthplace and downtown Judy Garland Children's Museum are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. There is an admission fee. The Old Central School housing the Itasca County Heritage Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and to 4 p.m. Saturdays. There also is a gift shop and restaurant.