Wizard Of Oz Festivals, Memorabilia & Fun Facts

The Wizard of Oz is still incredibly popular these days.

So much so, that there are a number of organized festivals in Oz-friendly towns across America each year.

Some of them...

October Wizard of Oz Festivals
Oct. 1-2: Beech Mountain, NC

While the old Wizard of Oz Park is no longer in regular operation, it has become the site of a Wizard of Oz party each year. There are always special guests from the original movie who show up just for the occasion.

Each year, there's a celebration of Oz at Dorothy's House. Upwards of 20,000 people attend this event each year, including several cast members from the movie.

Oct. 14-16: Wamego, Kansas
The town not only has a Wizard of Oz museum, they also put on an Oz festival featuring Munchkins, authors, and other special guests. Highlights of the festival include the local community theater's production of The Wizard of Oz and admission to the museum.

More Festivals For Wizard Of Oz Fans...
If you're an Oz fan, then you'll want to also know about two festivals you missed (...so you can plan for NEXT year):

June: Chittenango, New York
Ozfest and Wizard of Oz museum tour

September: Chesterton, Indiana
The Wizard of Oz Festival

December: Lucedale Mississippi
Wizard of Oz Festival

Speaking of Christmas... Hallmark is offering 2005 Wizard of Oz Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments -- a pair of ruby slippers with buckles that light up when you press a button!

A Fun Wizard Of Oz Corn Maze

Also coming up throughout the month of October, is the Great Godfrey Maze -- a great Wizard of Oz corn maze just for Halloween 2005!

A Little About Corn Mazes:

• Other maze locations -- across the U.S., Canada, and the world.
  
• What to expect if you go to a corn maze -- how to enjoy it, and how to "conquer" the maze!
  

More Fun & Games... Oz Style!

Monopoly Wizard of Oz edition

Wizard of Oz trivia board game

Wizard of Oz birthday party ideas

Wizard of Oz party ideas

Wizard of Oz online games

"Talking" Wizard of Oz kids game

Watch Wizard of Oz DVD "Extras" Online

David Letterman's Top 10 Oz List

Little-Known Facts About The Wizard Of Oz:

Have you heard that the movie & its characters represent something political known as "the Free Silver Debate"?

Here are some EXCELLENT behind-the-scenes facts about the Munchkins and child stars who were in the movie.

Check out Judy Garland's birthplace home and museum.

Don't miss this Wizard of Oz FAQ -- filled with info about the characters, filming of the movie, behind-the-scenes secrets, and the Land of Oz itself.

Now, about those ruby slippers...

See what the actual costumes were made of (for the cowardly lion, scarecrow, tin man, and Dorothy.

For more about the movie itself, check out the official Warner Bros. movie page or IMDB.

Here's the most inclusive listing of Wizard of Oz stuff on the 'Net!