2023 Schedule of Events
WELCOME FROM THE MAYOR
As the mayor of the Village of Chittenango, I’m excited to welcome you to this year’s Oz-Stravaganza. Whether you have come Over the Rainbow by broomstick, tornado or more traditional transportation, we are glad to have so many visitors join us this year as we celebrate Dorothy, Toto, Tik-Tok, witches, lions, tigers, bears and all the wonderful characters imagined by L. Frank Baum. Be on the lookout—you may spot them in the parade or in the park.
This festival is the work of so many dedicated Ozians, and I would like to thank all the performers, partners, supporters and volunteers who work year-round to make the Oz-Stravaganza festival possible. Again this year we have exciting actors, storytellers and costume designers who bring to life Baum’s fantastic world for three wonderful days. New books and games continue the adventures of our favorite characters.
Fantasy can make us feel like children again, and who doesn’t want to be young and eager for the adventure of life. So, thank you for joining us in Chittenango at the 2023 Oz-Stravaganza festival to walk on the Yellow Brick Road. I hope it puts a smile on your face and gives you the urge to skip and sing. And when you want to feel like a kid again, then you are welcome to return to Chittenango and our Yellow Brick Road. Chittenango was recently featured in CNY Magazine. So, while you are here stop into one of our local restaurants or shops. Chittenango is a growing destination with new reasons to return throughout the year.
—Elizabeth Bough Martin, Mayor, Village of Chittenango
Schedule of Events-Friday, June 2
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.—All Things Oz Museum Open, 219 Genesee Street, Chittenango. Admission is $9.00 per person, children ten and under are free. Guided tours 11:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m. every hour on the hour. AAA Discounts. Blue Star Museum.
3:00–6:00 p.m.—Information Booth, (Sponsored by Greater Sullivan Area Chamber of Commerce). Oz-Stravaganza! Park, information for Oz-Stravaganza! and the Chittenango area.
3:00–6:00 p.m.—Baum’s Bazaar Gift Shop Open, Oz-Stravaganza! Park.
OZ-STRAVAGANZA! PARK
3:00–8:00 p.m.—Oz-Stravaganza! Park Open. A fun filled day at Oz-Stravaganza!, rides, games, vendors/crafters, Oz souvenirs & memorabilia, a wide variety of food, snacks, and beverages. Many children’s activities. Special Guests in Glinda’s Royal Tent.
3:00–5:00 p.m.—History Exhibit, (Sponsored by Howard Hanna Real Estate and Kris Kringle Studio). Glinda’s Tent, Oz-Stravaganza! Park.
SILENT AUCTION
3:00–7:00 p.m.—Wizard’s Wonderful Silent Auction, (Sponsored by Tina McNulty) Glinda’s Royal Tent located in Oz-Stravaganza! Park. Includes Oz, Non-Oz items, local and national items, gift certificates & more.
4:00 p.m.—Amusement Rides open in Oz-Stravaganza! Park. Ride specials available.
AUTOGRAPH WITH SPECIAL OZ GUESTS
3:30–5:00 p.m.—Autographs with Special Oz Guests, Glinda’s Royal Tent, Oz-Stravaganza! Park. Betty Ann Bruno (Child Munchkin), John Fricke (Wizard of Oz and Judy Garland Historian/Author), Gabriel Gale (OZ Illustrator /Ages of Oz Series & The Art of Oz).
AUTHORS & ARTIST ALLEY
3:30–5:00 p.m.—Authors & Artists Alley, (Sponsored by Community Bank and Brookside Consultants). Oz-Stravaganza! Park. Meet with Oz authors and artists—Tom Hutchison, Ron Baxley Jr., Julienne La Fleur, Jim Coon and Kris Silva.
FRIDAY NIGHT PROGRAM
6:00 p.m.—Friday Night OZ Program, First Presbyterian Church, 118 Arch St., Chittenango,
at Oz-Stravaganza! Park grounds. (Sponsored by Koester Associates and Wegmans).
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6:00 pm: WHERE OZ ALL BEGAN — AND HOW OZ ALL BEGAN!— John Fricke, our emcee and historian, looks back at the creation of L. Frank Baum's first Oz story in a brief and beautifully illustrated presentation about the writing, artwork (by W. W. Denslow), and publication of THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ. (It ONLY became one of the best-loved and best-selling books in history!)
7:00 pm: THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OZ ADVENTURER/AUTHOR GABRIEL GALE!—Enjoy the latest updates from the limitless, Oz-inspired imagination and creativity of the man behind the books, THE ART OF OZ and the AGES OF OZ series. Hear about his multiple, Baum-founded enthusiasms for the future and enjoy the joyous advance observations he's able to relate about his recent trip to the set of the forthcoming, two-part motion picture of WICKED!
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FIREWORKS
Begins at Dusk—(Sponsored by The Village of Chitenango) The “Ozsome” Oz Fireworks, Community Recognition Park, Legion Drive, Chittenango.
Schedule of Events-Saturday, June 3
7:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.—Pancake Breakfast. First Presbyterian Church, 118 Arch St., Chittenango, at Oz-Stravaganza! Park grounds.
10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.—A fun filled day at Oz-Stravaganza! Park, rides, games, vendors/crafters, Oz souvenirs & memorabilia, a wide variety of food, snacks, and beverages. Many children’s activities. Special Guests in Glinda’s Royal Tent.
10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.—Baum’s Bazaar Gift Shop Open, in Oz-Stravaganza! Park.
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.—All Things Oz Museum Open, 219 Genesee Street, Chittenango. Admission is $9.00 per person, children ten and under are free. Guided tours 11:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m. every hour on the hour. AAA Discounts. Blue Star Museum.
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.—Information Booth. (Sponsored by Greater Sullivan Area Chamber of Commerce). Information for Oz-Stravaganza! and the Chittenango Area, Oz-Stravaganza! Park.
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KIDS MUNCHKIN MILE FUN RUN | TOTO TODDLER TROT
10:00 a.m—Kids’ Munchkin Mile Fun Run and Toto’s Toddler Trot (Sponsored by Chittenango Physical Therapy and Kinney Drugs Foundation)
Registration begins at 10:00 a.m at the Chittenango Fire Department (417 Genesee Street, next to the Oz-Stravaganza Park). Runs start at 11:00 a.m.
$12 pre-registration • $15 late/day of registration
Free t-shirts for the first 100 entries. All runners will receive a free amusement ride ticket.
Toto’s Toddler Trot begins at 11:00 a.m.
Ages 4 and under. This fun run/walk is approximately 1/4 mile long and will begin and end at the Chittenango Fire Department.
Munchkin Mile Run begins at 11:15 a.m.
Ages 12 and under. The race route is approximately 1 mile long and will begin and end at the Chittenango Fire Department.
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10:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.—History Exhibit, (Sponsored by Howard Hanna Real Estate and Kris Kringle Studio). Glinda’s Royal Tent, Oz-Stravaganza! Park.
AUTHORS & ARTIST ALLEY
10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.—Authors & Artists Alley, (Sponsored by Community Bank and Brookside Consultants). Oz-Stravaganza! Park. Meet with Oz authors and artists—Tom Hutchison, Ron Baxley Jr., Julienne La Fleur, Jim Coon and Kris Silva.
SILENT AUCTION
10:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.—Wizard’s Wonderful Silent Auction (Sponsored by Tina McNulty) Glinda’s Royal Tent located in Oz-Stravaganza! Park. Includes Oz, non-Oz items, local and national items, gift certificates & more.
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COSTUME CONTEST
11:45 a.m.—Costume Contest (Sponsored by Judy Fogus, in memory Leo Joseph). Open to all ages, get into character and join in the fun! Dress up like Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, The Wicked Witch, Glinda, the Munchkins, or any other Oz book/movie character your heart desires! There will be three awards per category and age group!
Registration begins at NOON at the Main Stage in Oz-Stravaganza! Park.
No pre-registeration is necessary.
Judging starts promptly at 12:15 p.m. on the Main Stage
Awards will be presented immediately following judging on the Main Stage, prior to the Oz parade. All awards that are not picked up at the ceremony will be available for the winners to pick up at the Chittenango Village Hall during normal business hours.
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Noon—Amusement Rides Open, Oz-Stravaganza! Park. Ride specials available.
2023 OZ-STRAVAGANZA! PARADE—2:00 P.M.
2:00–3:00 p.m.—2023 Oz-Stravaganza! Parade. (Sponsored by Empower Federal Credit Union, Nina’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant, and Kinney Drugs). Theme: “Over the Rainbow to Oz” Grand Marshal: John Fricke, Wizard of Oz and Judy Garland Historian/Author. Music filled parade with Ozzie floats, animals, marching units, special guests and more! Parade route is downtown Chittenango (Genesee St./Route 5) starting at Sullivan Free Library and continuing north to Community Savings Bank. Streets into the Village will close at 1 p.m., so plan accordingly.
AUTOGRAPH WITH SPECIAL OZ GUESTS
3:30–5:00 p.m.—Autographs with Special Oz Guests, Glinda’s Royal Tent, Oz-Stravaganza! Park. Betty Ann Bruno (Child Munchkin), John Fricke (Wizard of Oz and Judy Garland Historian/Author), Gabriel Gale (OZ Illustrator /Ages of Oz Series & The Art of Oz).
AUTHORS & ARTIST ALLEY
3:30–5:00 p.m.—Authors & Artists Alley, (Sponsored by Community Bank and Brookside Consultants). Oz-Stravaganza! Park. Meet with Oz authors and artists—Tom Hutchison, Ron Baxley Jr., Julienne La Fleur, Jim Coon and Kris Silva.
SATURDAY NIGHT PROGRAM
6:00—Saturday Night OZ Program (Sponsored by Buck’s Pizzeria, MCV Law, Tops Friendly Markets).
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6:00 pm: MGM'S THE WIZARD OF OZ: LEGENDS & LOONIES & LIES, OH MY!— Gabriel Gale turns the tables on emcee John Fricke and -- for a change — interviews HIM! Their topic? The iconic 1939 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer WIZARD OF OZ/Judy Garland film . . . as John discusses all the rumors about its making. (Be aware: social media has a LOT for which to answer!) Bring your own questions about this topic, too; Gabe will invite you to ask them.
7:00 pm: BETTY ANN BRUNO—SPECIAL GUEST & OUR LEGENDARY "MUNCHKID"! She was only seven years old when her dancing talent led her to the MGM Studios — and a trip over the rainbow as the youngest denizen of Munchkinland. Now, eighty-five years later, Betty Ann Bruno triumphantly returns to Oz via Chittenango. Our OZ-Stravaganza! audiences couldn't get enough of her last year, both onstage or off. She sold out copies of her new memoir, THE MUNCHKIN DIARY: MY PERSONAL YELLOW BRICK ROAD, as fans clamored to read more about OZ and her major adult careers in investigative journalism, television, broadcasting, work for the CIA, and as founder of her ongoing dance company. (And don't miss Betty Ann's Sunday afternoon hula demonstration and class; two dancing friends from her troupe are coming all the way from California to join her onstage for that!)
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Schedule of Events-Sunday, June 4
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.—A fun filled day at Oz-Stravaganza! Park, rides, games, vendors/crafters, Oz souvenirs & memorabilia, a wide variety of food, snacks, and beverages. Many children’s activities.
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.—Baum’s Bazaar Gift Shop Open, Oz-Stravaganza! Park.
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.—All Things Oz Museum Open, 219 Genesee Street, Chittenango. Admission is $9.00 per person, children ten and under are free. Guided tours 11:00 a.m.– 2:00 p.m. every hour on the hour. AAA Discounts. Blue Star Museum.
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.—History Exhibit, (Sponsored by Howard Hanna Real Estate and Kris Kringle Studio). Glinda’s Royal Tent, Oz-Stravaganza! Park.
SILENT AUCTION
10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.—Wizard’s Wonderful Silent Auction (Sponsored by Tina McNulty). Glinda’s Royal Tent located in Oz-Stravaganza! Park. Includes Oz, non-Oz items, local and national items, gift certificates & more.
COLORING CONTEST AWARDS
11:00 a.m.—Coloring Contest Awards, Main Stage in Oz-Stravaganza! Park. (Sponsored by Wilson Insurance).
ROYAL HISTORIAN OF OZ WRITING CONTEST AWARDS
12:00 p.m.—Royal Historian of Oz Writing Contest Awards, (Sponsored by Chittenango Rotary, Chittenango Lions Club, SeGuin Land Surveying). Main Stage in Oz-Stravaganza! Park. First place winners will be read by Special Oz Guests.
12:00 p.m. (Noon)—Amusement Rides Open, Oz-Stravaganza! Park. Ride specials available.
AUTHORS & ARTIST ALLEY
12:00–3:00 p.m.—Authors & Artists Alley, (Sponsored by Community Bank and Brookside Consultants). Oz-Stravaganza! Park. Meet with Oz authors and artists—Tom Hutchison, Ron Baxley Jr., Julienne La Fleur and Jim Coon.
AUTOGRAPH WITH SPECIAL OZ GUESTS
2:00–3:30 p.m.—Autographs with Special Oz Guests, Glinda’s Royal Tent, Oz-Stravaganza! Park. Betty Ann Bruno (Child Munchkin), John Fricke (Wizard of Oz and Judy Garland Historian/Author), Gabriel Gale (OZ Illustrator/Ages of Oz Series & The Art of Oz).
GRAND FINALE
4:00 p.m.—Grand Finale, (Sponsored by Madison Mutual Insurance). Main Stage, Oz-Stravaganza! Park. Send off our Special Guests in a wonderful, traditional way and help us remind them that there is NO PLACE LIKE HOME...IN CHITTENANGO!
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Oneida Indian Nation
Major Sponsors
Village of Chittenango
Kinney Drugs
Empower Federal Credit Union
Mars Wrigley
Nina’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant
Pepsi
Perry Law Office
Wilson Insurance
Media Sponsors
92.1 The Wolf
96.5/100.3 The Beat Fox
Sports 1490AM Syracuse
The Dinosaur
Other Contributing Sponsors
Barrett Brothers Automotive
Robert Benson, Attorney-at-Law
Barnes & Noble
Brookside Consultants
Buck’s Pizzeria
Burger King
Cazenovia Jewelry
Canastota Bagels & Subs
Chittenango Animal Hospital
Chittenango Convenience
Chittenango Lions Club
Chittenango Lumber
Chittenango Physical Therapy
Chittenango Rotary Club
Community Bank
DeMario’s Eatery
Dunkin Donuts
First Presbyterian Church
Howard Hanna Real Estate
Jim Marshall Farms
Judy Fogus
The Grand
Greater Sullivan Area Chamber of Commerce
Kinney Foundation
Koester Associates
Kris Kringle Studio
LaCocina
Jon & Susan LaGorga
Lucky Dogs Pizzeria & Taproom
Madison Mutual Insurance
John Mazzullo & Sons
McGowans Hardware
MCV Law
Tina McNulty
The Medicine Shoppe
Olive Branch
Otto
SeGuin Land Surveying
Shears to You
Serendipity
Sorbello‘s Gift & Garden
Sun Chevrolet
Stewart’s Shops
Syracuse Mets
Teague Accounting
The Auction Solution
The Medicine Shoppe
Tops
Trader Joe’s
Utica Zoo
Wegmans
Zimmer Funeral Home
Thank You For Your Support
The Oz-Stravaganza! Committee extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone attending Oz-Stravaganza! 2023. We appreciate you helping us honor our native son, L. Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and to celebrate the timeless classic movie, The Wizard of Oz as well as all things Oz related.
We would like to thank the Village of Chittenango, Mayor Elizabeth Bough Martin, Village Police Chief Shawn Broton and Police Department, Fire Chief Jason Baker and Fire Department, DPW, Chittenango High School, American Legion, local businesses & community members for all of their hard work and support. The efforts of many have made this weekend possible.
2023 Program Schedule

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