Author John Fricke to host OzStravaganza

CHITTENANGO >> The 35th annual Oz- Stravaganza will be hosted by Oz author and historian John Fricke.

Fricke’s latest book, “The Wonderful World of Oz: An Illustrated History of the American Classic,” will be published in October. It’s his seventh title extolling the magic of L. Frank Baum’s creations, the 1939 MGM Oz film, and its legendary star Judy Garland.

Fricke has been a mainstay of the Chittenango Oz celebration since 1990, and was instrumental in helping expand the event from one day to an entire weekend. He will be seen in the new “making of” documentary in the 3D 75th anniversary Oz DVD set ( also for release in October) and in a number of media appearances as company spokesman. Fricke can also be heard on the DVD commentary tracks of seven of Garland’s films, including “The Wizard of Oz.”

He is twice- recipient of television’s Emmy Award as producer and writer of PBS and A& E Garland documentaries; a Grammy Award nominee for his journalism; past- president of The International Wizard of Oz Club and past- editor- in- chief of their magazine.

L. Frank Baum’s greatgrandsons’ Roger Baum and his wife Charlene will return to Chittenango for the first time in a few years to speak about the new Oz animated movie to be released next year. It will be based on Roger’s book “Dorothy of Oz.”

New guests to Oz- Stravaganza are movie critic Ryan Jay and the expert on the 1903 Wizard of Oz musical David Maxine. Quadling child Ann Marie Arcuri and Wizard stand- in Al Jakel from the recently \- released Disney movie “Oz the Great and Powerful” will also appear.

Oz illustrator and author Dennis Anfuso will return after being unavailable last year. Christianna Rickard, niece of Scarecrow Ray Bolger, will make her first appearance at Oz- Stravaganza with her book, “My Journey with the Scarecrow.” For comic book enthusiasts, Oz graphic novelists Eric Shanower, Tom Hutchison and Bill Bryan will be present in Author’s Alley. Completing the guest list is Oz fan Kenneth Doane, former WWE wrestler Kenny Dykstra. Doane will sell and autograph his new anti- bullying book, “Billy’s Bully.”

The Oz festival offers three full days of family friendly fun, including amusement rides, crafters, vendors, food, silent auctions, fireworks, hot air balloon launches, free Oz programs, live entertainment and more. For details, visit: www. oz- stravaganza. com.