9days until
Oz-Stravaganza! ’13

Important News Releases
For immediate release 5/21/13
Colleen Zimmer 315-415-8546
 
The 35th annual Oz-Stravaganza! being held May 31- June 2 in downtown Chittenango, themed Patchwork of Oz will be hosted by Oz author and historian John Fricke.
    John'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 Frank Baum's creations, the 1939 MGM Oz film, or its legendary star Judy Garland. John has been a mainstay of the Chittenango Oz celebration since 1990 and was instrumental in helping expand the event from one morning and one afternoon 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 for that Warner Home Entertainment release. John can also be heard on the DVD commentary tracks of seven of Judy'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—or as one critic summarized it, "Fricke is to Garland and Oz what Baskin is to Robbins."
    A total of twenty one special guest will make appearances throughout Oz weekend including the from cast of the film "After the Wizard", Jordan VanVranken, Jermel Nakia and Orien Richman. Also appearing will be Hugh Gross writer and director of the film. Judy Garland's movie stand-in, Caren Marsh-Doll, Munchkin by marriage Myrna Swensen, L. Frank Baum's great grandson Bob Baum and his wife Clare as well as Oz illustrator Gwen Tennille will all be returning guests. A stunning collection of Judy Garland dresses will be exhibited by owner Jonathan Shirshekan. Another of L. Frank Baum's great grandsons 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 based on Roger's book Dorothy of Oz. New guests to Oz-Stravaganza! that you wont want to miss are movie critic Ryan Jay and the expert on the 1903 Wizard of Oz musical David Maxine. From the recently released Disney movie Oz the Great and Powerful Quadling child Ann Marie Arcuri and Wizard stand-in Al Jakel will be an exciting addition to the festival. The committee is pleased that Oz illustrator and author Dennis Anfuso will return after being unavailable last year. Christianna Rickard the 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 who was former WWE wrestler Kenny Dykstra. Kenneth will sell and autograph his new anti bullying book, Billy's Bully.
    The grand Oz parade kicks off at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 1st in downtown Chittenango. The Oz festival offers 3 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 check out: www.oz-stravaganza.com.

For immediate release 5/7/13 
Colleen Zimmer 315-415-8546 or 315-333-2286
Every year the Oz-Stravaganza! committee honors a special guest with the title of Grand Marshal of Oz-Stravaganza!. Many weeks ago the committee unanimously voted to bestow Flowerpot and Sleepyhead Munchkin Margaret Pellegrini with the honor for the 2013 Oz-Stravaganza! Margaret has attend Oz-Stravaganza! for over 20 years and she holds a special place in the hearts of the festival planners, the citizens of Chittenango as well as the 20,000 Oz fans that attend each year.
    Margaret’s family has informed the Oz committee that recent health issues are making it impossible for her to travel to Oz-Stravaganza! this year. This news saddens the committee who will miss her energetic smile, quick wit and most of all her friendship.
Margaret will still be honored as Grand Marshal of the 35th annual Oz parade which kicks off at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 1st in downtown Chittenango.
    The Oz committee wishes her well. A card will be available for Oz fans to offer well wishes throughout Oz weekend at the All Things Oz Museum, 211 Genesee St, Chittenango.
    This year the festival themed, “Patchwork of Oz” will be held May 31st–June 2nd offering a wide variety of activities, events and 21 special guests who will offer many exciting Oz programs.
    Sponsorships are needed for some of the special guests and events. Sponsorship inquiries should be directed to 315-333-2286.
The Oz-Stravaganza! website is updated often as events unfold at: www.oz-stravaganza.com so check it often for all the latest Oz news.

For immediate release 4/26/13 
Colleen Zimmer 315-415-8546 or 315-333-2286
Oz-Stravaganza! Seeks Sponsors
Sponsorships are needed for the 35th annual Oz-Stravaganza! in Chittenango being held May 31st - June 2nd to honor L. Frank Baum, author of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz and thirteen Oz sequels. 2013 marks the 100th anniversary of Patchwork Girl of Oz so in celebration of that book as well as all things Oz related the festival has been themed "The Patchwork of Oz". Typically this family friendly festival that offers a parade, fireworks, special Oz guests, silent auctions, entertainment, crafters, vendors, Oz authors, food, contests and so much more is attended by 20,000 or more people.
    An exciting new event this year at Oz-Stravaganza! is an attempt to break the World record for the most people in Oz costume in one location. There are sponsorship opportunities for this event.
    Sponsors of special Oz guests have the opportunity to have their special guest at their place of business as well as other perks. Sponsorship is needed for Caren Marsh-Doll, Judy Garland's Wizard of Oz movie stand in, Alexander Jakel, James Franco's movie stand in Oz the Great and Powerful, Roger and Charlene Baum, L. Frank Baum's great grandson, and Myra Swensen, wife of Munchkin soldier Clarence Swensen.
    Businesses or individuals interested in sponsorship should contact Colleen 315-333-2286 or colleen@oz-stravaganza.com.
    Information for all Oz-Stravaganza! events is available at: www.oz-stravaganza.com.

For immediate release 4/23/13 
Colleen Zimmer 315-415-8546 or 315-333-2286
Tryout information for Emerald City Idol
Tryouts for the annual Oz-Stravaganza! Emerald City Idol singing competition sponsored by Olum's Appliance will be held May 9th and May 11th. On Thursday, May 9th auditions will be held at the Central New York Playhouse in Shoppingtown Mall, Dewitt from 5:00 p.m.–8:45 p.m. On Saturday, May 11th auditions will be held at Chittenango High School, Genesee St, Chittenango from 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. There is no fee to audition and no appointment is needed. Persons ages 6 - adult wishing to tryout can just show up ready to sing a song of their choice a cappella before a panel of judges. There are 4 age groups consisting of ages 6–8, 9–12, 13–16, and 17 and up.
    The finalists chosen at the auditions will perform in a live finale at Chittenango High School on Saturday, May 18th. At the conclusion of the finale the winners will be announced and they will perform again at Oz-Stravaganza! Sunday, June 2nd in Chittenango. Cash prizes will be awarded for 1st–3rd place in each age division. In the adult and teen categories the prize are 1st place $300, 2nd place $200 and 3rd place $100. In the youth and child categories the prizes are 1st place $100, 2nd place $75, and 3rd place $50.
    Further Emerald City Idol and Oz-Stravaganza! details are available at: www.oz-stravaganza.com. Idol questions should be directed tomarc@oz-stravaganza.com. Oz-Stravaganza! information is also available by calling 315-333-2286.

For immediate release 4/16/13
Colleen Zimmer 315-415-8546 or 315-333-2286
Oz-Stravaganza! Munchkin Mile Run

Early registration for the 7th annual Munchkin Mile Kids Fun Run being held Saturday June 1st at Oz-Stravaganza! in Chittenango is underway. The run sponsored by Chittenango Rotary, Chittenango Physical Therapy and Kinney Drugs is for children age 12 and under. Applications are available for download at www.oz-stravaganza.com or they can be picked up at a variety of locations including Kinney Drugs in Chittenango, Chittenango Physical Therapy, Chittenango Village Hall, Town of Sullivan Office Building, Advance Cyclery and the All Things Oz Museum.
    Early registration fee is $7.00 and early applications must be postmarked by May 20th. Registrations after May 20th and on site on race day will be $10.00. The first 50 registrants will receive a specially designed Oz-some fun run t-shirt. All runners will receive a ticket good for one amusement ride at Oz-Stravaganza!, a t-shirt, snacks, water, a goodie bags. All runners will be entered in a free raffle sponsored by Advance Cyclery. Registration will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Chittenango Fire Station, 417 Genesee Street. The run will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m. For further run information contact: tswestlake@gmail.com or call Tammy at: 413-842-5068.
     Information for other Oz-Stravaganza! contests and events including: the Royal Historian of Oz Writing Contest, Oz Costume Contest, Oz Coloring Contest, Emerald City Idol Singing Contest, Miss Oz-Stravaganza! and the Emerald City Idol Golf Classic is available at www.oz-stravaganza.com or by calling 315 333 2286.
        The 35th annual Oz-Stravaganza! themed “The Patchwork of Oz” is being held in downtown Chittenango, May 31st - June 2nd with the grand Oz parade beginning at 2:00 p.m.

For immediate release 4/8/13
Colleen Zimmer 315-415-8546 or 315-333-2286
The 35th annual Oz-Stravaganza! themed "The Patchwork of Oz" will take place in Chittenango May 31–June 2. The 3 day event offers a wide variety of events and guests with the grand Oz parade kicking off at 2:00 PM on Saturday June 1st in downtown Chittenango. The annual event held to pay tribute to native son L. Frank Baum, author of the Oz book series will honor Flowerpot and Sleepyhead Munchkin Margaret Pellegrini with the title of Grand Marshal.
    Currently the Royal Historian of Oz writing contest and the Oz coloring contest are underway. Information and forms for these contests as well as the Munchkin Mile Kids Fun Run and Oz costume judging are available at:www.oz-stravaganza.com and at a variety of locations including: Chittenango Village Hall, All Things Oz Museum, Sullivan Town Hall, focalpoint Credit Union, the Bridgeport and Chittenango locations of Sullivan Free Library and the Bridgeport and Chittenango locations of Oneida Savings Bank. 
    Persons interested in the annual Emerald City Idol Singing Competition should email: marc@oz-stravaganza.com.
    Girls ages 4 -9 living in the Chittenango school district interested in being an ambassador for their community should call Lorrell Walter at 427-5612 to get information about the Miss Oz-Stravaganza! Pageant.
    Applications and information for participation in the Oz parade is available by contacting Jim Raulli at 315-687-3471. Anyone interested in a vendor booth at the festival should contact Lynne Bunce at 315-530-3319. 
    Sponsorship for a variety of special Oz guests and events are available. Information about sponsorship and advertising in the official Oz-Stravaganza! program is available on the website and by contacting Colleen Zimmer at 315-415-8546.
    Festival updates are posted often at www.oz-stravaganza.com.
 
For immediate release 4/1/13
Colleen Zimmer 315-415-8546 or 315-333-2286

All Things Oz Museum Fundraiser
The All Things Oz museum, 211 Genesee Street, Chittenango is holding a fundraiser of Hallmark and American Greeting cards for every occasion. All cards are just ten cents each. The cards are current with original retail prices from $1.00 - $9.99. 100% of the proceeds benefit the museum. Cards being sold are for all occasions including, Birthday, Get Well, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Sympathy, Anniversary, Thank You, Graduation, Halloween, Easter, Valentines Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Wedding, Baby, Congratulations, Religious Events, Bridal Shower, Thinking Of You, Support, Friendship, Love, Blank and more.
    The sale is being held adjacent to the museum Friday, April 19th 5:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. and Saturday, April 20th 11:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. This is a perfect opportunity to stock up and save big while supporting the All Things Oz Museum.
    The museum also offers a wide variety of Ozzy gifts, collectibles, books, puzzles, tee shirts and more. Questions should be directed to 315- 333-2286. Oz-Stravaganza! information is available at: www.oz-stravaganza.com.

The 35th annual Oz-Stravaganza! is being held May 31st - June 2nd in downtown Chittenango. Applications for park vendors, parade paticipants, Munchkin Mile Fun Run, Royal Historian Writing Contest and Oz costume judging are available for download on the website.

For immediate release 2/7/13
Questions: Colleen Zimmer 315-415-8546

5th Annual “Community Night Out” Dinner Dance
The 35th annual Oz-Stravaganza! festival is just around the corner and the popular fundraising “Community Night Out” dinner dance to help bring special guests to the event with be held Saturday February 9th at the Rusty Rail, Route 5, Canastota from 7:00–11:00 P.M. Tickets are $15.00 and include a buffet dinner from 8:00–10:00 P.M., soda, coffee and munchies all evening and door prizes. Music for dancing offering a wide variety to please all tastes will be provided by Aaron Velardi and the Bob Cooper Band. There will be a cash bar and raffles.
    Tickets are available from any Oz committee member, by calling 315-333-2286, or at the door. Check out the Bob Cooper band at: www.bobcooperband.com. Dance and Oz-Stravaganza! information is available at: www.oz-stravaganza.com. The dance offers a break from the winter blahs and a chance to socialize with family, friends and neighbors to support a great cause, so call a few friends and come to the dance.

For immediate release 12/10/12
Questions: Colleen Zimmer 315-415-8546

Rare Judy Garland Photos Offered For Sale
ALL THINGS OZ is both pleased and proud to announce its acquisition of rare photographs from the private collection of Judy Garland.
During Judy’s fifteen-year tenure at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, she starred in over twenty-five films -- including, of course, such classics as The Wizard of Oz, Meet Me In St. Louis, and Easter Parade. To promote her projects and her own superstardom, she was extensively photographed by the studio to produce materials to answer the demands of exhibitors, theater owners, magazine and newspaper editors/publishers, and those countless fans who wrote MGM for a picture of their favorite star. Metro also provided Judy with multiple copies of such photographs for her own personal use, so that she would have them on hand to sign for the admirers she met in person or from whom she heard at home or while traveling.
    Nine years after her death in 1969, much of Judy’s estate was auctioned, and the majority of the extant items were thus dispersed around the globe. At (or soon after) that time, eight different MGM promotional images, which still existed in multiple copies in Judy's own "fan photo" supply, were provided to associates of a member of her family. The photographs, ranging in date from 1940-1944, demonstrate Judy’s transition from pretty girl-next-door to glamorous leading lady.
    This extraordinary cache of beautifully-printed art now has been presented to ALL THINGS OZ as a means of present and future fund-raising. Naturally, a representative sampling will be maintained for permanent exhibition, but the remainder -- unseen and un-circulated in these classic, vintage reproductions for over three decades (and directly from Judy’s own collection) -- will be offered for sale to the public.
    Each double-weight, matte photograph comes labeled on its reverse side with a “Judy” sticker created in 1978 at the time of the original auction and presented in a premium, archival-quality sleeve. Additionally, a letter attesting to the provenance of the photographs will be included with each purchase. There are eight different poses: two exist in a 4 x 5" format (@ $14.99 per photo); the remaining six are standard 8 x 10" size (@ $34.99 per photo).
    The photographs, exquisitely developed in the early 1940’s, are from sittings with two of MGM’s most celebrated photographers, Clarence Sinclair Bull & Eric Carpenter. Six of the poses were taken c. May 1940 just before Judy’s 18th birthday while she was filming Strike Up the Band with Mickey Rooney. Another, by C.S. Bull, is from a session at the conclusion of filming for Presenting Lily Mars in November of 1943. The remaining pose features Garland just after shooting had wrapped for Meet Me in St. Louis. 
    For the 2012 holiday season [orders must be received by Dec 19th to guarantee Christmas delivery], a special gift set will be assembled and issued at $174.99. This includes one copy of each pose.
    ALL THINGS OZ is both profoundly grateful and genuinely delighted to be able to provide these photographs as they were originally produced to be shared: to the world-wide Garland fan base. As noted, proceeds from the sale go exclusively to benefit the  All Things Oz museum loated at 211 Genesee Street, Chittenango, NY, birthplace of L. Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
For further information: www.oz-stravaganza.com or call 315-333-2286.

For immediate release 11/14/12
Questions: Colleen Zimmer 315-415-8546
All Things Oz Museum Fundraiser

 The All Things Oz museum, 211 Genesee Street, Chittenango is holding an ongoing fundraiser of Hallmark and American Greeting products. All items are being sold at 60% - 90% off list prices. 100% of the proceeds benefit the museum. Items being sold are greeting cards for all occasions including, Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthday, get well, sympathy, anniversary, thank you, graduation, Halloween, Easter, Valentines Day, Mother's Day, Father's day, wedding, baby congratulations, religious events and more. Gift bags, wrapping paper, stickers, inspirational books, tissue paper, ribbon and bows are also available.
     The sale is being held at the museum during regular hours Thursdays 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, Fridays 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. and Saturdays 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.. The museum will be closed Thanksgiving Day. There are extended hours November 16th 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. and November 23rd 3:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
     The sale will also be held at St Patrick's Church Autumn Friendship Fest, Murray Dr. and Route 5, Chittenango, Saturday November 17th from noon–7:00 p.m.
     This is a perfect opportunity to stock up and save big while supporting the All Things Oz museum.
     The museum also offers a wide variety of Ozzy gifts, collectibles, books and tee shirts for holiday gift giving. Questions should be directed to 315-333-2286. Further Oz information is available at: www.oz-stravaganza.com.

For immediate release 9/5/12
Questions: Colleen Zimmer 315-415-8546
Oz-Stravaganza! Entering 35th Season

The kickoff meeting for the 35th annual Oz-Stravaganza!, held to honor Chittenango native L. Frank Baum, author of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, will be held Wednesday September 12th at 6:00 P.M. at the All Things Oz Museum, 211 Genesee St, Chittenango, New York. The all volunteer committee is seeking new members to assist with the planning of the festival being held May 31st, June 1st, and 2nd, as well as volunteers to help with the operation of the All Things Oz Museum.
    The museum is open year round with limited hours and by appointment. Group tours and school filed trips are also offered.
    All are invited to attend the meeting. Check out Oz-Stravaganza! and All Things Oz at: www.oz-stravaganza.com. Questions should be directed to co-directors, Barb Evans or Colleen Zimmer at 315-333-2286 or colleen@oz-stravaganza.com.

“To all of you in the area ... I speak as an “outsider” and invited guest in year’s past. Your festival is unique. Nobody is doing this the way you are doing this. It’s a combination of a love for Oz, a love for the man who created it, and a love of your community. No one can match this festival. If you’ve ever thought of being a part of something that people will remember for the rest of their lives, volunteer now! You’ll be working with the best committee I’ve encountered for a large event like this. You’ll be honoring the area where you live. And you’ll be creating memories for others who attend that will last forever. This is a legacy to be proud of.”
— Paul Miles Schneider