The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Chittenango celebrates L. Frank Baum
Annual event features actors, authors, parade, games, memorabilia
CHITTENANGO >> This summer marks the 35th edition of the annual Oz- Stravaganza! festival in Chittenango, birthplace of the author of the Oz series of books, L. Frank Baum.
Running May 31 through June 2, this year’s theme is “The Patchwork of Oz.” Celebrants will get a chance to see the many facets of the Oz Universe throughout the weekend while still enjoying classic Oz- Stravaganza events.
Although the event is Oz themed, anyone can come out and enjoy the festivities.
“You don’t have to be an Oz fan to enjoy amusement rides, games, great food and parades,” said Co- Director Colleen Zimmer. “There is something for everyone in the family. You can have a great family fun weekend without spending a lot of money and enjoy free entertainment. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
The weekend will tee off on Friday with the Emerald City Golf Classic at Woodcrest Golf Club at 9 a. m, sponsored by Madison County Tourism. The OzStravaganza park officially opens at 1 p. m. with some vendors and craft booths opening in downtown Chittenango.
The amusement park rides will start up at 4 p. m. Throughout the afternoon and early evening, various events will be going on, including a Silent Auction at Glinda’s Tent, Author’s Alley, and a presentation by Oz writer John Fricke with exclusive information about the 2013 film, “Oz the Great and Powerful” and some upcoming films and books.
The day will end with fireworks in Community Recognition Park at 9: 30 p. m.
Saturday will start with an all- you- can- eat pancake breakfast at the First Presbyterian Church in Chittenango from 7 a. m. to noon.
The Oz- Stravaganza park opens at 10 a. m. right alongside the Munchkin Mile Kid’s Fun Run at the Chittenango Fire Station. All runners receive free amusement ride tickets. The park will have continuous live music and entertainment throughout the day, Amusement park rides open at noon, followed by the annual costume contest in Stickles Park at 12: 15 p. m. Judging will take place at 12: 45 p. m. for the best rendition of classic characters. The parade kicks off at 2 p. m. from the Sullivan Free Library to Oneida Savings Bank.
Various book signings will take place throughout the afternoon at Glinda’s Tent, and Saturday will end with a program on the main stage at 6 p. m. followed by the hot air balloon lift off at Sullivan park at 6: 30 p. m.
Sunday will mark the final day if this year’s Oz- Stravaganza festivities. The park in downtown Chittenango opens at 10 a. m., including a historical display at Glinda’s Tent that will range from everything Oz to Frank Baum and Chittenango. The amusement park rides open at noon, followed by various talks, awards ceremonies and book signings throughout the park. Sunday will close out with the grand finale at the main stage at 3: 30 p. m.
This year’s parade won’t be like parades of the past, as this year’s grand marshal, Margaret Pellegrini, won’t be able to attend due to recent health issues.
FROM PAGE 6 Pellegrini portrayed various Munchkin roles in the original film, and has been an active member of the event and community for more than 20 years. Despite not being able to lead the parade, Pellegrini will still be honored as the grand marshal.
This year there are 21 guests coming to the event, including grandson Bob Baum and great- grandson and writer Roger Baum. Stars, extras and writers from the various films in the Oz Universe will also be in attendance, including “After the Wizard” writer Hugh Gross, Judy Garland stand- in Caren Marsh- Doll, and one of the child extras from the new “Oz the Great and Powerful,” Ann Marie Arcuri, will attend. This year will also host a special new feature, a collection of Judy Garland dresses on display by their owner, Jonathan Shirshekan.
Zimmer said the event will have a record number of guests this year, and the committee is excited to greet the cast of “After the Wizard” and welcome three new costumes from the film into the museum. The actors from the film will be there to sign autographs and take photos alongside the Dorothy, Tin Man and Scarecrow costumes. Zimmer said there will be screenings throughout the weekend of various films, interviews and documentaries including “After the Wizard” and the original “Wizard of Oz.”