Mary Wilson & La-Na Fragomeni Are Bandettes Forever

Mary Wilson is the founder of one of Sault Ste. Marie’s most cherished and beloved organizations, The Bandettes All Girl Drum & Bugle Corps. Established in 1963, the marching band was an instant success. Over its subsequent long history, The Bandettes grew in local, regional and international popularity and today its alumni numbers hundreds of women, all grateful and proud to have performed with the legendary group.

La-Na Fragomeni is the current President of the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce and a past member and volunteer of The Bandettes.

Mary Wilson was also the First Recipient of the Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Citizen Award in 1976 and The City’s Medal of Merit in 1980, the highest honour a resident can receive for outstanding academic, cultural or athletic accomplishment or achievement. Including many community mentions, she was also the First Woman to win the George Wallace Trophy, which is awarded to an individual who supplies an outstanding contribution to the recreation field on a volunteer basis.