A lifetime of showing up for Columbia
Charles Grimsley has spent decades doing the work that makes a small town feel like home: the festivals, the downtown, the kids, and the careful job of watching how the city spends your money.
The Jesse James festival
For years Charles helped run the Folklore of the Old West Festival, Columbia's celebration of its Jesse James history. Columbia Magazine called him the festival's "impresario."
Christmas in the Courthouse
He helped create Christmas in the Courthouse, and Columbia Magazine called him a "one-man Downtown Board of Trade." Few people have done more to bring folks back to the Square.
Bank robbery re-enactments and a free carnival
Downtown Days brought food, music, the bank robbery re-enactment and a free carnival for the kids. In 2011 Charles was the official crowd counter, and he tallied a record crowd.
Honored for six terms of service
The City of Columbia recognized Charles for six terms on the City Council. He championed the Parks & Recreation Board, the merged City-County Parks Board, and the merger of the water and sewer departments.
Columbia's top vote-getter
When Charles ran again, Columbia voters sent him back to the council with more votes than any other candidate.
"Budget hawk and transparency champion"
That's how Columbia Magazine described Councilman Grimsley. He treats every city dollar like it's yours, because it is.
The courthouse clock ticks again
After coming home, Charles led the negotiations that brought the historic Adair County courthouse clock back to life.
The county fair is back
After eight years without one, the Adair County Fair returned, and Charles is right there working it with the Fair Board, cotton candy and all.
Toy drives, egg hunts and the Fourth of July
Christmas toy drives, Easter egg hunts on the fairgrounds, and Independence on the Grounds. Charles keeps showing up for Columbia's families.
Ready to serve again
Charles filed to run for Columbia City Council. He came home to bring Columbia back.