Key Attractions
of
OZtoberFest 2007



ORIGINAL MUNCHKINS!!!

The individuals who portrayed the Munchkins in "The Wizard of OZ" in 1939 were youngsters, teenagers and young adults.

Today there are only a few of these wonderful people still with us. We will welcome several of the original Munchkins to OZtoberFest 2007. Most are in their mid 80s but remain full of energy and enthusiasm for the film that made them familiar around the world.

The Munchkins will sign autographs and photos at selected locations and at specific times during OZtoberFest.  See the schedule of events or times and locations of Munchkin appearances.

There is no additional charge to enter the autograph sessions, but, you must purchase OZ Musuem tickets for admission into the Muchkin autograph session.

Muchkins charge additional fee for their autographs.


MUNCHKIN CAMEOS IN
COLUMBIAN THEATRE STAGE PRODUCTION OF
“THE WIZARD OF OZ”

The Columbian Theatre will present The Wizard of OZ throughout the month of October, 2006. During the weekend of OZtoberFest, all 3 performances will feature cameo appearances by the original Munchkins who are attending the festival.  Click here to see schedule of Stage production and to order tickets on-line.

 

Visit the OZ Museum

The OZ Museum hosts one of the broadest collections of OZ Memoribilia in existance.  Come and explore over 100 years of OZ history, from the first edition L. Frank Baum books publisted in 1900 to the most current collectable pieces.  Shop in the OZ Museum gift shop for everything from exclusive apparel to waterglobes and other unique collectables.  Throughout the weekend attend presentations and book signings by our special guests as well as special showings of the original 1939 movie in the OZ Museum theatre.

 

ROGER BAUM AND ROBERT BAUM
(great grandsons of L. Frank Baum)
AUTOGRAPHS AND APPEARANCES

Roger Baum

Roger Baum attended the Grand Opening of the OZ Museum in 2004 and the lines of people waiting for his autograph were testimony to his popularity as an author of children's books. Baum will be back for the OZtoberFest and is sure to delight even more with his stories and books.  Mr. Baum's books are available for sale in the OZ Museum gift shop.

Robert and Clare Baum

Robert Baum has spent the first few years of his retirement traveling the world, re-enacting the life of L. Frank Baum, his great-grandfather. The celebrated author (L. Frank) began as a storyteller and great-grandson’s re-enactments are a delight to Baum fans of all ages.

Robert and Clare will be joining us Sept. 28-Sept. 30 at the OZ Museum and Columbian Theatre, but will not be present during the 5-7 festival dates.

 

Author book signings and Presentations Michael Siewert 

Joeph Luft

Gina Wickwar

Anna Maria Cool

Cindy Martin

 

Michael Siewert

Michael Siewert is back again with a full showing of his national touring exhibit, Judy Garland The Dressing Of A Legend, which includes 15 original gowns worn by Judy Garland in her movies, TV and concerts. The showing during the summer of 2005 at The Columbian Theatre was very popular. Michael Siewert has amassed the largest collection of Judy Garland memorabilia in the world. He began collecting when he fell in love with "Dorothy" at the age of six years old. His exhibitions have allowed him to meet and spend time with many of Judy's family, colleagues and friends. He comes prepared with many great stories about Judy Garland and his collecting tactics. You will not want to miss this special event!

Dressing of a Legend exhibit will be held at The Columbian Theatre with special presentations at the OZ Museum through out the festival weekend.

Click here to visit Micheal Siewert's website.

Joseph Luft

Joseph Luft is the youngest son of Judy Garland and Producer Sidney Luft.  We are excited to welcome him to OZtoberFest for the first time.  Joesph is an avid photographer and a selection of his photography will on exhibit at the Columbian Theatre along side his mother's gowns at the Judy Garland exhibit.  Mr. Luft will be at the OZ Museum with guest Michael Siewert to meet fans, sign autographs and will be present during Michael Siewert's, "Dressing of a Legend" presentation.

 

Gina Wickwar

Gina Wickwar's love of OZ began the moment her father read her The Wizard of OZ.  She was born in New York City, but traveled widely, living in numerous places throughout the continental United States as well as in Japan and Panama.  While attending the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, she wrote her master's thesis on L. Frank Baum's OZ books.  The mother of three grown children, she has spent much of her professional life as a technical writer and continues her freelance work with newpapsers, magazines, and public radio.  Her first OZ book,The HIdden Prince of OZ, was IWOC's (International Wizard of OZ Club) choice to celebrate the 100th anniversary of The Wizard of OZ.  She and her husband, Vincent, a physics professor at Utah State University, reside in Logan, Utah.  Her books The Hidden Prince of OZ and Toto of OZ will be available for purchase in the OZ Museum Gift Shop.  Ms. Wickwar and illustrator Anna-Maria Cool will be available for book signings on Saturday, October 7.

 

Anna-Maria Cool

Anna-Maria Cool has been drawing fantasy characters professionally for over twenty years.  Born in Harrisbury, PA, she received her formal art training in Philadelphia and in Dover, NJ, specializing in cartooning and comic book storytelling.  Her work has appeared in comic books published by Marvel, Claypool and Capstone Press, illustrating the adventures of personalities as diverse as Barbie, Elvira and Betsy Ross.  Her illustrations for Gina Wickwar's The Hidden Prince of OZ, Toto of OZ, and other OZ stories owe much to the classic pen-and-ink style of John R. Neill, an inspiration since childhood.  She was a licensed character artist at Hallmark Cards in Kansas City for twelve years and currently freelances for comis and other publications.  She lives in Garfield, KS with her husband, Dr. Thon Basom, and their two cats.

Muralist Cindy Martin

One of the impressive features of the OZ Museum is the murals featured with Dorothy and her friends in each alcove. 

These amazing murals were painted by local artist, Cindy Martin.

  Born on a farm in Nebraska, but living part of the time in Colorado, she grew to love the outdoors.  While in high school she continued to develop her painting abilities, studying and bringing to life on cavnas the outdoors and creation. She married her husband Phil and after receiving her ASI degree from Kansas State University, she continued to paint around her growing family's schedule. 

Her love of painting ultimately goes back to the Creator and the beauty and diversity He has given us in the world.  "My job as an artist is to reflect and capture the design that is apparent all around us.  When you start painting, you find that you look at things completely different.  You learn to truly see."

As her children grew, she was able to return to painting and her reputation has spread.  In 1996-97 she completed three murals on a silo in a public park which Kansas Power and Light developed.  Since then she has painted both in private homes, working with designers, in businesses, and of course the OZ Museum.

Cindy will be joining us once again as she transforms Glinda's alcove.  She will be available to talk and answer questions as she begins this new project.




DON’T STOP. THERE’S MORE!!!

MORE KEY ATTRACTIONS


OZ COLLECTABLES SILENT AUCTION

Don't forget to check at the Columbian Theatre for the Third Annual OZ auction.  This is a silent auction featuring unique collectable items signed by our guests.

Just a few of this years auction items include:

*"We Welcome you to Munchkinland" 

From Tonner Doll Co.

     This was a Anniversary special of the Flower Pot Munchkin,     only 300 were made.  The doll stand is signed by Margaret Pellegrini, the Flower Pot Munchkins and includes pictures of Ms. Pellegrini autographing the stand.  A very uniqu item!

*Wicked Witch of the West Death Certificate

with black broom signed by the production cast.

*Franklin Mint Wizard of OZ musical globe

with certificate signed by all special guests

    

 

MUNCHKINLAND
INFLATABLE PLAY AREA

Northeast Kansas Communtiy Action Program ( NEK-CAP), Inc. is committed to helping people thrive now and ending poverty for future generations.  The OZ Museum is proud to partner with this organiztion for OZtoberFest 2007.

NEK-CAP will operate “Munchkinland,” an area dedicated to inflatable structures that provide a healthy and clean environment for young people to play. Tickets for the inflatables can be purchased at Munchkinland.Click here to learn more about NEK-CAP. 

Munchkinland Sponsors:

Shilling Construction Co. Inc.

Walters-Morgan Construction

Bayer Construction

Frontier Forensics

Waters True Value-Manhattan

 

Yellow Brick Road Ride

Hosted by the Pott. County Eco-Devo, this is the second year for the Yellow Brick Road ride.  Enjoy a day of cycling and fall scenery in beautiful Pottawatomie County, Kansas.  Click here for more information about the Yellow Brick Road Ride


OZsome Fun Walk
The OZsome Fun Walk will offer you, your family, and friends a fun and free walking adventure on Saturday morning with a Wizard of OZ theme. There will be door prizes, incentives, and refreshing snacks during the walk. Click here to register for the OZsome Fun Walk. 


Uncle Henry's Fall Harvest and Professor Marvel's Traveling Treasures

The OZ Museum is excited to introduce local artists, collectors, and businesses with their fresh market products, crafts, and collectible booths.  Guests will find jewerly, OZ collectables, flowers and more.

 

Expressway to OZ

                        

We would like to welcome Kaw Valley Express to their first year at OZtoberFest.  You and your family can enjoy a train ride through OZ in beautiful downtown Wamego.  Train rides are $2.00 per person.


Attendee Participation Activities

One block of Wamego's main street will be closed during the festival.  This area will be filled with activities for our OZtoberFest guests to enjoy.  The main stage will host entertainment throughout the day and the Emerald City Carnival will offer other non-profit organizations the opportunity to fundraise by hosting childen's carnival games.  Look for the Flying Monkey Toss, Yellow Brick Road Cupcake walk, pin the heart on the Tin Man, face painting, and much more!





Apply for the Limited Edition
Wizard of OZ Credit Card
No Annual Fee.
Proceeds help support the OZ Museum.
The Limited Edition OZ Credit Card


 
 
 Pricing   |   Schedule   |   Maps   |   Event Descriptions   |   Local Business Specials


OZtoberFest 2007
A joint project of The OZ Museum, The Columbian Theatre,
NEK-CAP and the Wamego Chamber of Commerce/VisitWamego.com
For more information call 1-866-458-TOTO (8686), or Find us on the web at www.OZtoberFest.com

©2007