tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74381425445673236302024-03-13T10:53:28.646-04:00Oz-Stravaganza!A Web Log For The Citizens Of The Emerald City And Their GuestsMetajunkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116799709930780786noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438142544567323630.post-61298996838880218672013-06-02T11:10:00.000-04:002013-06-02T12:15:30.787-04:00Oz-Stravaganza! 2013 Author's Alley The Best Year So Far! <span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span>hile working on touching up the photos I took yesterday at Oz-Stravaganza! 2013, my Macbook pro went dark. It is now a hi-tech <i>brick</i> (i.e. something that can be used only to hold an old door open while blinking a little light). Not being a superstitious man, I would never suggest that there was some magic at play here... even if there was. I'll just say that at least one of the Authors wasn't keen on an impromptu photo shoot, and another used magical poses that just may have infected the digital circuitry of my iPhone. I suppose this is a mystery that will never be revealed, but you never know what true Word Wizards are capable of! <br />
So, this post will be heavy on prose and light on images. And, since an image is worth a thousand words, forgive me if I am verbose. I'm making up for lost pixels.<br />
I know many of you are fighting self-inhibiting mantras like, "I don't read much"; and, "I have a short attention span", so I'll keep some important information at the top of this post.<br />
Here's the short of it:<br />
<b>Author's Alley is in Glinda's Royal Tent, today, Sunday, June 2nd, 2012, from 12:30 - 3:00 PM</b>. If you didn't get to see the Authors yesterday - please don't miss them today. I suppose I said "please" to be polite - but really, you aren't doing me a favor here - I'm helping you in ways you don't even understand, yet. If you did get to see them yesterday - you should go back today and buy that book you were on the fence about yesterday (just sayin').<br />
Yesterday, I got to see Dennis Anfuso, Gwendolyn Tennille, and Eric Shanower again, as well as meet Tom Hutchison, Bill Bryan, David Maxine, and Christianna Rickard. A thousand curses to the digital demi-gods of chaos who <i>bricked </i>my Macbook pro after I had transferred (and deleted) the pictures of these artists at work, meeting their fans, shaking hands, signing autographs, and posing so sweetly and/or sinisterly.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Imagine if you will... Munchkins running here and there, delivering cold water to the Authors. A cool orb of power filling their area of the tent and creating refreshing breezes to quell the heat of the day. Imagine rich smiles on the faces of fans; and, grateful hearts for recognition so well deserved. If you can imagine that - then to Hell with the pictures I lost! (And the most important parts of that little scene were true!)</blockquote>
So why do you want to meet these folks? Well... that is a fair question. Here is how I look at it. We are celebrating L. Frank Baum because of a series of books he wrote that took place in the Land of OZ. One of the first astonishing things that I learned, when I moved to Chittenango, NY, a few years ago, was that there was more than one book written about Oz. That really was an eye-opener for me. I got another eye-opener, when I learned that others had continued writing in what can only be called a "Shared Universe" at this point. Today, you have a chance to meet folks who are continuing this fantastic tradition! If that doesn't excite you, I suggest you make a point to attend the <b>Royal Historian of Oz Writing Contest Awards</b> at 11:00AM, today, on the Main Stage in Oz-Stravaganza! Park. See first hand how stories impact the younger and older among us.<br />
The stories that L. Frank Baum wrote, and the stories that these authors are penning and illustrating today, are helping shape our dreams. Fantastic settings, such as those found in the Land of Oz, touch our collective unconscious in ways that only the great psychologist, Carl Jung, could properly explain. Great fantasy stories entertain; there is no doubt about that. But, they also shine light on the world we live in. They inform us about who we are, and where we are headed.<br />
Each one of the authors in Author's Alley has a unique perspective on the collective fiction written about the characters that live in The Land of Oz (and surrounding territories). Each author brings something of themselves to their works, in ways that no one else can. There is magic in that, for sure.<br />
<b>Eric Shanower</b> is an award-winning cartoonist who has flown in from San Diego, California. If you spend any time in comic book stores, you have seen his Oz works on the shelves. Much of his Oz comic artwork conveys a modern and slightly quirky feel to the Oz characters that cannot be found anywhere else. For something truly cool, check out <i>Marvel's Ozma of Oz</i>.<br />
<b>Tom Hutchison</b> has taken the Oz theme into the Wild Wild West with his <i>The Legend of Oz: The Wicked West </i>comics. I haven't read these yet, but I will definitely check out what seems to be a sexy Dorothy as a gun slinger!<br />
<b>Gwendolyn Tennille</b> has flown in for Oz-Stravaganza! 2013 from South Carolina, and her works range from gothic/fantasy to landscapes and everything in between. She loves bringing her imagination to life, and has done so as an illustrator is such well-known books as: <i>Of Cabbages, Kings, and Even (Odd) Queens</i>, <i>The Talking City of Oz</i>, and <i>Whether the Sea is Boiling Hot and Whether Pigs Have Wings</i>.<br />
<b>Bill Bryan </b>drew and occasionally wrote for Oz, Land of Oz and Dark Oz, a sword & sorcery version of The Wizard of Oz.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLNvb_2XVl7WCRU3MH5eCKge-uQEVnpRuLGK4PX3yHkiAlRNPgx6n4kix9o5c7n3xsz00wsAPsFcBYHcTW2L7k4B-iOx4iY6qTHa5djkP0DBCBV39Yee6zayDNLKByPIuJ1QwRjQZM2c/s1600/bill-bryan-comic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLNvb_2XVl7WCRU3MH5eCKge-uQEVnpRuLGK4PX3yHkiAlRNPgx6n4kix9o5c7n3xsz00wsAPsFcBYHcTW2L7k4B-iOx4iY6qTHa5djkP0DBCBV39Yee6zayDNLKByPIuJ1QwRjQZM2c/s1600/bill-bryan-comic.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
If you are a teen-ager - or teen-ager-going-on-forty-five; and have an eye for <i><b>the darker side of Oz</b></i>, you will not want to miss your opportunity to meet Bill Bryan. And, I'm not just saying that in hopes that he lifts the curse off of my laptop! Bill has some posters and comics that belong in your collection.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZWoEas_X_ZiVK7HcJSWlCGVfMDaTxSo4aUo85Aa5exc82iDB2aQa-cLhS5z0lkv2z5hne_cUwOjglLh9nF0hSEBfq0bvclQm4LsTxggd4Wcsdxug0-2bV-iIwec8FquEjbP0tdm7TfQ/s1600/Anfuso-Sketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZWoEas_X_ZiVK7HcJSWlCGVfMDaTxSo4aUo85Aa5exc82iDB2aQa-cLhS5z0lkv2z5hne_cUwOjglLh9nF0hSEBfq0bvclQm4LsTxggd4Wcsdxug0-2bV-iIwec8FquEjbP0tdm7TfQ/s1600/Anfuso-Sketch.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Gnome King</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<b>Christianna Rickard</b> is an author and popular public speaker. She was particularly close to her uncle, the great Ray Bolger, who was a Broadway star best known for his role of the Scarecrow in <i>The Wizard of Oz</i>. Recently, Christianna wrote <i>Remembering Oz: My Journey with the Scarecrow</i>. While I haven't read it yet - I own a copy. Christianna has focused on a spiritual life, and I suspect this book will be filled with much more than her memories of her Uncle Ray. I suspect her book will bring out the magic of Oz in ways that will edify and heal.<br />
<b> Dennis Anfuso</b> is a graduate of the School of Visual Arts in NYC
class of 1978. He majored in book illustration and cartooning, and
unlike many people I know - he learned a thing or two while in school!
Dennis hails from New Hampshire, and that "Live Free or Die" spirit can
be seen in his artwork. Two years ago, Dennis drew me a quick rendition
of the "Gnome King" right in front of me. It was amazing how quickly he
was able to capture the character and bring him to life. I hope you have
an opportunity to check out Dennis's works, when you take a stroll down
Author's Alley.<br />
All of the Authors in Author's Alley are worth your attention. You can find them in <b>Glinda's Royal Tent</b>, at Oz-Stravaganza! Park, in Chittenango, NY, between <b>12:30 PM</b> and <b>3:00 PM</b>, Sunday, 2 June, 2013.<br />
<br />Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01750313768285257990noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438142544567323630.post-14203781614226927602013-06-01T21:57:00.001-04:002013-06-01T21:57:41.598-04:00Oz-Stravaganza! 2013 is a great weekend destination!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIroFNapnJm6TMO_FkLwip9bDO6CzKAPm6m6am71LL8M84Iv0J6I0gJelkhraWpWfMknT864wXhWwhzmzqDDQtfa2lVOFH9GJUGNSFEYAW1eZTNlI1f2qe2aDvreuHu4AcO7Zmwa59Aos/s1600/IMG_0422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIroFNapnJm6TMO_FkLwip9bDO6CzKAPm6m6am71LL8M84Iv0J6I0gJelkhraWpWfMknT864wXhWwhzmzqDDQtfa2lVOFH9GJUGNSFEYAW1eZTNlI1f2qe2aDvreuHu4AcO7Zmwa59Aos/s1600/IMG_0422.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes you need one in the shade.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> Oz</span>-Stravaganza!, residents and visitors to Chittenango, New York, and munchkins throughout all the worlds could not have hoped for a better Oz-Strava-Saturday! Well, to be honest, it could have been a little cooler. Some folks braved the shadows of old houses to avoid the blistering rays of our closest star (well... second closest - the closest star was in the parade today. You know who you are :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVT64v4xQdNBIiBW45sgZwn2vfVtjX8PIXENAru57cL4PI4MpiewyeFCX6iGF9WOqXo8Ls_7UTu-ZJ1DCItJB_aTRx4-QjHs-SFveZbM31OEpooy0i6fmIjzz4TFn40WrLXz4AYU_-q8/s1600/IMG_0427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVT64v4xQdNBIiBW45sgZwn2vfVtjX8PIXENAru57cL4PI4MpiewyeFCX6iGF9WOqXo8Ls_7UTu-ZJ1DCItJB_aTRx4-QjHs-SFveZbM31OEpooy0i6fmIjzz4TFn40WrLXz4AYU_-q8/s1600/IMG_0427.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This sunburn refuge house is the home of a great many birds.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zTsJiEQ77cJZHJiJYHNwe4c_FsDvprStbj4eT5DD8s17jEO-O8FcSj0hyphenhyphenogz0qK_mKznFnuA3-NJGghrrDhITTBguq0UXFaIWlhnTsS5tH_NKAdMJJMsTQuJ5PEdvT2uXvU9OmWlZXU/s1600/IMG_0358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zTsJiEQ77cJZHJiJYHNwe4c_FsDvprStbj4eT5DD8s17jEO-O8FcSj0hyphenhyphenogz0qK_mKznFnuA3-NJGghrrDhITTBguq0UXFaIWlhnTsS5tH_NKAdMJJMsTQuJ5PEdvT2uXvU9OmWlZXU/s1600/IMG_0358.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Free Oz Parking is on McDonnell St.</td></tr>
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The Oz-Stravaganza! Twitter Feed (<a href="https://twitter.com/ozstravaganza" target="_blank">@ozstravaganza</a>) was live all day keeping festival goers abreast of the events of the day. From tips on free parking to where to find the best Balloon Walk, @ozstravaganza was there! The children enjoyed the rides, as always. It was good to see that in addition to the long-time favorites, there were some new rides spicing up the already charged atmosphere. Food and Fun - Shopping and more - all with the sounds of talented musicians filling the air with their formless form of art from afar.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcAFMLO00SquBPLatGcuS3mk5qZaJRojdqDZ-QNyY35e3NncFdNQFwPRIXt8b-biF8mwjx1CqACPSweH80_8EWzRyWW4qPKw2Rkfv5AXv094Gd-Jqg3mnuQjH44CK79yWgPhoPJnu0tfs/s1600/IMG_0359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcAFMLO00SquBPLatGcuS3mk5qZaJRojdqDZ-QNyY35e3NncFdNQFwPRIXt8b-biF8mwjx1CqACPSweH80_8EWzRyWW4qPKw2Rkfv5AXv094Gd-Jqg3mnuQjH44CK79yWgPhoPJnu0tfs/s1600/IMG_0359.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes - you can walk INSIDE the Balloon!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The Parade went off without a hitch. All the usual suspects were marching to show off their local pride and support for this Oz-tastic festival that honors L. Frank Baum and the various art his works have inspired.<br />
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While the lines to see the Special Guests were long at times, I have to wonder if Glinda's Royal Tent is the best kept secret of Oz-Stravaganza! While "those in the know" are no strangers to the pleasantries of Glinda's Royal Tent - I fear the masses may not understand the treasures that are being housed within its cool and windy walls.<br />
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The treasures I speak of may be completely missed by the fool passing through, seeking a North-West Passage to the privies (which is never to be found). For the treasures that sit within those royal tent walls are distributed and hidden within a great many people. They are the treasures of Intuition, Creativity, Compassion, Passion, and Love. You need only ask the preacher next door to understand which of these is the greatest.<br />
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I'm talking about the Authors, and Actors, their loved ones who write and act, and those who teach us of some of the greatest deeds done in the pages of fiction, the stages of the past and the present, and connect us to yesterday's dreams to give us fuel to reach for tomorrow's unthinkables.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgmVauDWvzliqeS185S5RBkAacjgpEhw7MOQH6L_u2zGeflrKCgjuKOlIhMplicfvwqoe3HpvHcOKmkQuh4kAI_vI2F-IzzUDay9Hr-ahEe_AU7I3rg1KcEar3xukWIpATqb0fSW3O3A/s1600/IMG_0455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgmVauDWvzliqeS185S5RBkAacjgpEhw7MOQH6L_u2zGeflrKCgjuKOlIhMplicfvwqoe3HpvHcOKmkQuh4kAI_vI2F-IzzUDay9Hr-ahEe_AU7I3rg1KcEar3xukWIpATqb0fSW3O3A/s1600/IMG_0455.JPG" height="317" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Motion Picture Players from "After The Wizard"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This truly magical place, hidden in plain sight, should be your destination tomorrow. You do not want to miss your opportunity to meet these truly ozsome human beings. Take a moment to get a signature - look into their eyes - feel your commonality. This place is aptly named "<b>Glinda's Royal Tent</b>" - for we have Royalty of the truest kind among us, here in Chittenango, New York. In your meeting, who knows what magic may happen? Perhaps a divine spark will be kindled in your soul - and you will join their ranks. Perhaps you are destined to sit among those who are quietly leading us to a better future; or, perhaps you will be a new inspiration for one of their next great performances, be it on paper or stage. You won't know, unless you go. May Your Wisdom and Will prevail!<br />
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While working on more material for this blog post, specifically some info on the Word Wizards, my laptop over-heated... Damn YOU Wicked Witch... Damn YOU! So... more to come!<br />
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There is one day left for this year's festival of creativity. I will
stop ruining all the hard work these good people have put towards being
humble now - and bid you all a Happy Oz-Stravaganza! 2013Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01750313768285257990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438142544567323630.post-13637004560240546662011-10-14T20:36:00.000-04:002011-10-14T20:36:18.237-04:00New Website for Oz-Stravaganza! 2012!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Come and check out the new look for our Oz-Stravaganza! 2012 website!<br />
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Follow the website as it develops!<br />
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<br />
Stay up to date with all of the latest information and news right here and on our <a href="http://www.oz-stravaganza.com/">website</a>!<br />
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<br />
If you are looking for information from last year's event - you can still find it... for a limited time...<br />
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<br />
at <a href="http://ww2.oz-stravaganza.com/">ww2.oz-stravaganza.com</a>.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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<br />
</div>Metajunkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116799709930780786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438142544567323630.post-15057495408332147232011-09-07T06:32:00.002-04:002011-09-07T06:45:52.233-04:00Setting The Stage...What's Coming in 2012!2012 seems like a long way off, but the Oz-Stravaganza! committee is already hard at work planning the event. My responsibility includes booking the main stage and producing the Emerald City Idol competition, among other things. Next year is going to be AMAZING!<br /><br />Many local and regional acts are already booked for the Main Stage (A sponsorship is still available- it would be the <sponsor>Community Stage - in case you are interested).<br /><br />Local acts like Vada March, the LaValle's USA BlackBelt Champions Demo Team, and Shane Reed are already on board. Add to the mix regional recording artists Mark Zane and Friends, Fab Five Paul, and Bill Ali and suddenly it is shaping up to be something special!<br /><br />Lastly a national recording artists and 80's/90's hitmaker and Billboard top 20 artist will headline the Main Community Stage (details still being finalized, but we are getting close- exciting)!<br /><br />As for Emerald City Idol- auditions held at a local mall will add to the talent pool, and there is a change of date coming. Idol winners will be performing at the Main Community Stage on Sunday and a fun time will certainly be had by all.<br /><br />So here is the bottom line...If you are NOT a fan of OZ in general- that's OK. There will be plenty of awesome entertainment for you next year in oz...and if you are a fan- three words pop to mind...<br /><br />BEST YEAR EVER!<br /><br />We'll see you in June in L. Frank Baum's hometown- Chittenango, NY<br />Oz-Stravaganza! 2012 - June 1-3<br /><a href="http://www.oz-stravaganza.com/">www.oz-stravaganza.com</a>Marc Baum of Ozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16398803105051397255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438142544567323630.post-27548233003038629222011-05-30T12:40:00.003-04:002011-05-30T12:45:04.433-04:00Shane Reed Joins Line up at Main Stage<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWe9DFMWspJph8d8WPxy3hf2Bg_-cPTb5ZCXF50-3szMKBsSY4uOV9W4BP6Js5RzVHokn6W1FQCGmtwOWkVExKsV8TBt40dc8m0eqmVR1kMdKJTvCRgAS7q796lFg47a7gciT94HfDCw/s1600/shane.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612551091600671954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWe9DFMWspJph8d8WPxy3hf2Bg_-cPTb5ZCXF50-3szMKBsSY4uOV9W4BP6Js5RzVHokn6W1FQCGmtwOWkVExKsV8TBt40dc8m0eqmVR1kMdKJTvCRgAS7q796lFg47a7gciT94HfDCw/s320/shane.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtW4RQRjhyT2p7MxaGMUIeitEXByMC7m6al_YYhOPjAQji6YgkBtWiXp-9IK_4ZkkQPX3jD3ybrdhBD5lEHzMXdLJxG9pmdEGlie5228iFc__WY2W2GImCG28CWYH0hXmRaD1teDo1YfA/s1600/shane.gif"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 1px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 1px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612550674039733650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtW4RQRjhyT2p7MxaGMUIeitEXByMC7m6al_YYhOPjAQji6YgkBtWiXp-9IK_4ZkkQPX3jD3ybrdhBD5lEHzMXdLJxG9pmdEGlie5228iFc__WY2W2GImCG28CWYH0hXmRaD1teDo1YfA/s320/shane.gif" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Local recording artist Shane Reed will join the Oz-Stravaganza! main stage FREE concert series! Shane will play some of his favorites and some originals at 11am Saturday on the Oz-Stravaganza! main stage! </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Marc Baum of Ozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16398803105051397255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438142544567323630.post-64402688107134610422011-05-19T06:23:00.002-04:002011-05-19T06:35:13.503-04:00All Things Oz<div>All Things Oz is the name being used for 211 Genesee St., Chittenango, NY 13037. The building houses an Oz-Stravaganza store and Oz collection. The collection will show items from Baum the Man, Baum's works, the MGM movie, other Oz works, and the history of Oz in Chittenango. A special exhibit: "Celebrating Dorothy" echoes this year's them for the weekend.</div><div><br /></div><div>During Oz-Stravaganza, June 3-5, 2011 "Judy Garland: The Dressing of a Legend" will be available for viewing at the building. This is a collection of dresses worn by Judy Garland owned by Michael Siewert. Come and see over 15 items of clothing worn by Garland during various shows and concerts. View the dresses and view video of Garland wearing each item.</div><div><br /></div><div>For more information call 315 687-6250.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438142544567323630.post-4874183312399414022011-05-17T20:05:00.004-04:002011-05-17T20:12:44.633-04:00Paul Bienvenue Joins Oz-Stravaganza! 2011 guest list!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZyZhigVOBymRUO-txKoydRrIOIiAeAmCGtUGnRHkza9IbVi8G2111_oNH38hZzBOB3khPZ4yNl9vN3N-iC0JNxD72FwrM8aSKZif0Zx_biNshTiA9xLRrkJDSrZ2kZms66J8KyuKC1M/s1600/PBienvenue.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 144px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 181px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607842365038935026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZyZhigVOBymRUO-txKoydRrIOIiAeAmCGtUGnRHkza9IbVi8G2111_oNH38hZzBOB3khPZ4yNl9vN3N-iC0JNxD72FwrM8aSKZif0Zx_biNshTiA9xLRrkJDSrZ2kZms66J8KyuKC1M/s320/PBienvenue.jpg" /></a><strong>Paul R. Bienvenue</strong> is the author of "The Book Collector's Guide to L. Frank Baum and Oz," which examines all of Baum's published book-length works with unprecedented simplicity and clarity, and additionally covers the Oz books of his major successors. The book is thoroughly illustrated with hundreds of photos of rare books, artwork, posters and related ephemera, most in full color. The book has been awarded the 2009 Gold Medal for Best Reference Book by the Independent Publisher's Book Awards (the 13th Annual "IPPYs"), as well as Silver Medals from the Eric Hoffer Awards and the Benjamin Franklin Awards. Paul is the proprietor of March Hare Books, a rare book service specializing in Baum and Oz-related material.<br /><br /><br /><br />The Oz-Stravaganza! festival held June 3-5 in Chittenango, NY is shaping up to be the BEST Oz Festival EVER! Authors and authorities, Original 1939 MGM "Wizard of Oz" actors, Baum family decendants, and a host of surprises! Make your plans now to attend Oz-Stravaganza! 2011.<a href="https://mail.google.com/mail/h/jb9fhsv43nia/?view=att&th=12fff50de8cc022a&attid=0.1&disp=inline&zw" target="_blank" avglschecked="1"></a>Marc Baum of Ozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16398803105051397255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438142544567323630.post-46755867617792713532011-05-08T10:33:00.003-04:002011-05-08T10:37:03.465-04:00All Purpose String Band plays Oz-Stravaganza! Main Stage!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0P1GpP6NV2OWG47p8D5FoEQJE3BaSaSRxOn2baKvS_cWcUSxCBm9rKStyiueZAAu8i1Qgradq7_AKHOFi0Lc98tJgvSY_WcWma14g1ae9baV_NYvyRCNa8Z1OgrE9zUDv77m5swrQpM/s1600/apsb.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604354192537488178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0P1GpP6NV2OWG47p8D5FoEQJE3BaSaSRxOn2baKvS_cWcUSxCBm9rKStyiueZAAu8i1Qgradq7_AKHOFi0Lc98tJgvSY_WcWma14g1ae9baV_NYvyRCNa8Z1OgrE9zUDv77m5swrQpM/s320/apsb.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>The All Purpose String Band is making an appearance at Oz-Stravaganza! this year. Coming to the Main Stage at 1pm on SUNDAY, this local favorite string/bluegrass group will bring their particular brand of true string acoustic music to the fans in Chittenango for FREE Sunday June 5th. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>While there are bleacher seats available, lawn chairs are suggested!</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Marc Baum of Ozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16398803105051397255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438142544567323630.post-88528146947967121712011-04-07T20:17:00.002-04:002011-04-07T20:20:34.627-04:00Exciting News About An Oz-Stravaganza! Guest<div>Eric <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Shanower</span> received a prestigious nomination! Meet him and congratulate him at Oz-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Stravaganza</span>! 2011 June 3-5.</div><div><br /></div><div>The 2011 Will Eisner</div><div>Comic Industry Award Nominees</div><div>Best Adaptation from Another Work</div><div>The Marvelous Land of Oz, by L. Frank Baum, adapted by Eric <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Shanower</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Skottie</span> Young (Marvel)</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438142544567323630.post-27230693497653000922011-03-06T09:40:00.004-05:002011-03-19T16:18:12.659-04:00Illustrator joins Author's Alley Line up!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUzQvdlIPY_mF6STFqugJ-PPqPylKzfn37BYZz7p87I5MIaldtIPqiUaNHnDE3o7ikh4dhlkFmeLxvW-T7_f6Jos3v989xAzMU7ypOw6XawnaYKKua5afBEivD9tFlRSxrXvsVpE8VFQ/s1600/finalizedbookcover.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 214px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585887822234066834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUzQvdlIPY_mF6STFqugJ-PPqPylKzfn37BYZz7p87I5MIaldtIPqiUaNHnDE3o7ikh4dhlkFmeLxvW-T7_f6Jos3v989xAzMU7ypOw6XawnaYKKua5afBEivD9tFlRSxrXvsVpE8VFQ/s320/finalizedbookcover.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Oz-stravaganza! 2011 is shaping up to be the best festival ever! Their has never been an opportunity to meet such a wide array of Oz universe guests, from writers and family of L. Frank Baum, to current illustrators, and even original actors and actresses from the 1939 movie- the Oz universe will certainly come alive this year.<br /><br />The latest addition to the talented line up in the Author's Alley is Gwendolyn Tennille Adams. Gwen is an illustrator, and she will be joining the co-authors of the new Oz/wonderland crossover book "Of Cabbages, Kings, & Even (Odd) Queens of Wonderland and Oz" which she is illustrating.<br /><br />This will mark the first time that a new Oz book will debut at the Oz-Stravaganza! festival and that the authors and illustrators will all be in attendance to autograph your copy. Add in the fact that Oz-Stravaganza! is held in Chittenango, N.Y., (the birthplace of L. Frank Baum), and you have an unmissable opportunity.<br /><br />We hope you will all come and meet Gwen and all of the other guests at this years Oz-Stravaganza! June 3-5 in Chittenango, NY.</div>Marc Baum of Ozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16398803105051397255noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438142544567323630.post-50557644263998817312011-03-05T11:48:00.005-05:002011-03-19T22:09:58.992-04:00Ron Baxley Jr. Comes to Oz-Stravaganza! 2011<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDgja5T994fisQSsq26Tydz8VwrJdWi0nGqJRKVYA2JsJm59iY4ceZDvTz8WW1_oE9z7PN7iFAmAWmw6kaVRB3R6oJm9xpEvx_sjtgIjhHhg_s46RnOYmda8uJiPTT5gos5ORJoQ-8DU/s1600/Ron+Bax.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 153px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 198px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585978498779843682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDgja5T994fisQSsq26Tydz8VwrJdWi0nGqJRKVYA2JsJm59iY4ceZDvTz8WW1_oE9z7PN7iFAmAWmw6kaVRB3R6oJm9xpEvx_sjtgIjhHhg_s46RnOYmda8uJiPTT5gos5ORJoQ-8DU/s320/Ron+Bax.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMNCTI-CPuks_tbZ7sm1JNWfJ3jmB0MbSGXhWpCHSflCE512RYsktF9agF-ATjwg-qwVpbtYqLxxwjDYGRq1yBO-2C7fozorS8J2Skcm-vQQ2FrzmOkAIzkXf8eJcon7QH8VDNBFgBYc/s1600/finalizedbookcover.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 214px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585889398305488370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMNCTI-CPuks_tbZ7sm1JNWfJ3jmB0MbSGXhWpCHSflCE512RYsktF9agF-ATjwg-qwVpbtYqLxxwjDYGRq1yBO-2C7fozorS8J2Skcm-vQQ2FrzmOkAIzkXf8eJcon7QH8VDNBFgBYc/s320/finalizedbookcover.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>Ron Baxley Jr. will be making his first appearance in Chittenango this year at the Oz-Stravaganza! Author's Alley.<br /><br />Ron will be available to meet fans and sign his books while taking in the atmosphere at the birthplace of L.Frank Baum and the center of the Oz Universe.<br /><br />The author of the "Talking City of Oz" is currently working on co-writing his second Oz universe book with James C Wallace II. It is said to be an Oz/wonderland crossover book, which could bring a whole new look at the Emerald City and what is down the rabbit hole.<br /><br />The Oz-riffic duo will debut their new Oz tale, "Of Cabbages, Kings & Even (odd) Queens", (described as a gothic young adult crossover novel), at this year's Oz-Stravaganza! Author's Alley.</div><br /><br /><div></div></div>Marc Baum of Ozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16398803105051397255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438142544567323630.post-50820847337971582402011-03-05T11:24:00.005-05:002011-03-19T16:27:37.090-04:00James C. Wallace II Returns to Author's Alley!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIevfmOa-ClQStU11nnwnq6CxcUnEcLXAspsJg1VxDWUwKysehQ3IhWe_W2dWsFNSbQU57uvaTuT3PknRIeViY2IPU125Lm_H2TVkE6k6VIJoz5FvQIy8ApdInI0Xwo1R23BxR8efnFhQ/s1600/james.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580637407352703714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIevfmOa-ClQStU11nnwnq6CxcUnEcLXAspsJg1VxDWUwKysehQ3IhWe_W2dWsFNSbQU57uvaTuT3PknRIeViY2IPU125Lm_H2TVkE6k6VIJoz5FvQIy8ApdInI0Xwo1R23BxR8efnFhQ/s320/james.jpg" /></a> Royal Liaison to Princess Ozma Returns to Chittenango!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWOh1GaHaefWbyiLnYh4v4cZ1piHc7-ryN56SyEUnPPWaA7-7rYytOnbqy0zaE67ydk2UQCbIXLvq7NGhAccj4XyHxLnY88PgkOK1MGKDi9JRte7DBeDQepXMR0sL4D86a-aZ7z_J_Ys/s1600/magician.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 90px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 151px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580634014278994914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWOh1GaHaefWbyiLnYh4v4cZ1piHc7-ryN56SyEUnPPWaA7-7rYytOnbqy0zaE67ydk2UQCbIXLvq7NGhAccj4XyHxLnY88PgkOK1MGKDi9JRte7DBeDQepXMR0sL4D86a-aZ7z_J_Ys/s320/magician.jpg" /></a> James C. Wallace II Is returning to the Land of Oz- Chittenango, NY.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><div></div><br /><br /><div>An Oz author and so much more, James is the self proclaimed Royal Liaison to Princess Ozma, Sovereign Ruler of Oz. He endeavors to fulfill her royal command to tell the tale of her newest Royal Magician to the children of the Great Outside. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>His books include "Magician of Oz", Family of Oz", and "Shadow Demon of Oz", as well as a new work currently being finished. </div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div>James was a part of the first Author's Alley in 2010. He will be returning to autograph copies of his books, and to unveil the new Oz/Wonderland crossover book co-written with fellow Oz-Stravaganza! Author's Alley guest- Ron Baxley, Jr.</div></div>Marc Baum of Ozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16398803105051397255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438142544567323630.post-59221149707542562472011-03-05T11:04:00.006-05:002011-03-05T11:24:07.043-05:00Roger Baum author of "Dorothy of Oz" comes to Chittenango for Oz-Stravaganza! 2011<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSjUyVdhjgN7GzywNIYuvmJGFd4xwo2H472IThG9hmbYHIWdHZMbAyf83c4mF5T6pMGj7na-OFAvf_lxNMEhv13Te7s8QoxzOgNv9l9doKNpkdtFgNirfjLJz4RBi46-HxT9IK0z5zbU/s1600/dorothy+of+oz.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 185px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580632324266419442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSjUyVdhjgN7GzywNIYuvmJGFd4xwo2H472IThG9hmbYHIWdHZMbAyf83c4mF5T6pMGj7na-OFAvf_lxNMEhv13Te7s8QoxzOgNv9l9doKNpkdtFgNirfjLJz4RBi46-HxT9IK0z5zbU/s320/dorothy+of+oz.jpg" /></a><br /><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJa5dpnOdVe9tLTAGEAzp6TQi14ze7LNhfORp71PuvSHPMqbu-JYXqoes9HJjICgyGn1Knx-zIi0xgD4bewvBKjGkhCOeJSBKumEknHar8IW0mobDcyt0dtSwp9jUl8OuyHxze2W6qPE/s1600/dorothy+of+oz.jpg"></a></p><br /><div>This year Oz-Stravaganza! and it's Author's Alley is delighted to welcome Roger Baum to the event.<br /></div><br /><div>Roger is a bestselling children's book author and the great-grandson of L. Frank Baum, creator of the original Oz book series. He is the author of "Dorothy of Oz", "The Green Star of Oz", and "Lion of Oz and the Badge of Courage".</div><br /><br /><div>Roger says he is delighted to meet fans old and new at the longest running Oz festival in the nation, held in his Great Grandfather's birthplace, Chittenango, NY.</div><br /><br /><div>This will be Roger's first time attending the Author's Alley, and the timing couldn't be more perfect as his book, "Dorothy of Oz" is being made into an animated feature film staring the voice talents of Lea Michele (Glee), Kelsey Grammer (Frazier), Patrick Stewart (Star Trek NG), Dan Ackroyd and Martin Short. The film version of the book is scheduled for realease next year. </div>Marc Baum of Ozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16398803105051397255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438142544567323630.post-59600381199246607362011-03-05T10:51:00.004-05:002011-03-05T11:03:51.384-05:00Author's Alley Guest List Expands!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtyLJTUrCIK9ALExJzo35Ms-yJbzIZs9sraN45LuZaC9nzMo-9zw2yen-zzttLPFcYfYuRc2jS-o7pVTY5cjhwwsxUHPOfSjNEZEUmbTpksLbp_dGSTsYyMUWnjcOaRsLFq7vTCTbYis/s1600/100_0758.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580626805283696722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtyLJTUrCIK9ALExJzo35Ms-yJbzIZs9sraN45LuZaC9nzMo-9zw2yen-zzttLPFcYfYuRc2jS-o7pVTY5cjhwwsxUHPOfSjNEZEUmbTpksLbp_dGSTsYyMUWnjcOaRsLFq7vTCTbYis/s320/100_0758.JPG" /></a> Dennis Anfuso meets with some fans at the 2010 Oz-Stravaganza! Author's Alley!</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jUcDc63K6OWw2_BAHDUESDpZ6_XkeftC6exPfHkX0pbgpcekfecCIonP8WSs88c_W_F3rcF87W5ZQhORv3OLgLsHOt3TX4h0hBuAUdLoObqMaVsjtQmsxT84xmgIfk5s3dokCo2t_Yo/s1600/home_gump_oz.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 209px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580624579352330722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jUcDc63K6OWw2_BAHDUESDpZ6_XkeftC6exPfHkX0pbgpcekfecCIonP8WSs88c_W_F3rcF87W5ZQhORv3OLgLsHOt3TX4h0hBuAUdLoObqMaVsjtQmsxT84xmgIfk5s3dokCo2t_Yo/s320/home_gump_oz.jpg" /></a> Oz-stravaganza! 2011 is proud to announce that Dennis Anfuso will be returning to Author's Alley at Oz-Stravaganza! 2011 June 3-5 in the birthplace of L. Frank Baum, chittenango, NY.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Dennis will be on hand to meet fans and sign copies of his books and illustrations. Dennis is widely know for his Oz works "A Promise Kept in Oz" and "The astonishing Tale of the Gump of Oz". </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Dennis was on hand last year for the 1st annual Author's Alley, and we are looking forward to his return.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Author's Alley is a part of Oz-Stravaganza! that allows the public to meet the people behind the books in the Oz universe.<br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Marc Baum of Ozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16398803105051397255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438142544567323630.post-4924928390236897632011-03-02T10:50:00.003-05:002011-03-10T14:28:05.569-05:00"Silver Shoes" Author's Alley Update!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://wave.googleusercontent.com/a/oz-stravaganza.com/attachment/paul%20signing.jpg?id=sd7L19W12&key=AH0qf5wzb5c6xG7zHWMkvXXtmFyVeX0yvQ"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 151px;" src="https://wave.googleusercontent.com/a/oz-stravaganza.com/attachment/paul%20signing.jpg?id=sd7L19W12&key=AH0qf5wzb5c6xG7zHWMkvXXtmFyVeX0yvQ" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZojzPHH4vMAUL_T5sjaD223N4uaf3WmCbpn3GCAzvo7RR3Dtcz9gyAsV9h_3m4c4eo2FBZM2g61gYP6PRJXycAVJ_bb5ARI5MHtvl-sAY2Qat5jDTGUXD0DqJ9-gzRxPFmzRbKcAg60E/s1600/scan0002-1.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZojzPHH4vMAUL_T5sjaD223N4uaf3WmCbpn3GCAzvo7RR3Dtcz9gyAsV9h_3m4c4eo2FBZM2g61gYP6PRJXycAVJ_bb5ARI5MHtvl-sAY2Qat5jDTGUXD0DqJ9-gzRxPFmzRbKcAg60E/s200/scan0002-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579512675700719218" border="0" /></a><br />It brings me great joy to be able to relate to you, our readers, that Paul Miles Schneider will be attending the 2011 Oz-Stravaganza! Author's Alley.<br /><br />Mr. Schneider is the author of "Silver Shoes", a novel sure to please oz-fans the world over.<br /><br />Paul Miles Schneider was born in New York City and raised in Lawrence, Kansas. At various times he has been an actor, writer, composer, singer, and arranger. He recently relocated to the Midwest from Los Angeles, where he spent the last ten years producing and designing DVD/Blu-ray menus and interactive content for Hollywood films and television shows.<p>"Silver Shoes" is his first novel, and it was selected as a 2010 Kansas Notable Book by the Kansas Center for the Book at the State Library of Kansas.</p><p><br /></p>Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01750313768285257990noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438142544567323630.post-66937691107432547722011-02-18T16:54:00.002-05:002011-02-18T17:10:30.899-05:00Oz-Stravaganza! 2011 ThemeThe theme for this year's Oz-Stravaganza! is "Celebrating Dorothy". It is a GREAT theme for a parade, because you can enter your float or group using Dorothy from the 1939 MGM Movie or Dorothy from L. Frank Baum's books. Dorothy is described differently by Baum than what you see on the big screen, and this is a great way to "Celebrate" all of Dorothy! Grand Marshal of the parade this year is Caren Marsh-Doll who was Judy's movie stand-in during "The Wizard of Oz".<br /><br />Michael Siewert, will be celebrating Judy Garland by showing his very special collection to Chittenango! Siewert owns the world's largest private collection of Judy Garland dresses. You can stroll through the dresses owned and worn by Garland while watching video of her in those very gowns. <br /><br />What Oz fan wouldn't be happy with all that!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438142544567323630.post-85312957471406415152011-01-29T13:11:00.003-05:002011-01-29T13:20:40.192-05:00Community Night Out!The 3rd Annual "Community Night Out" Fund Raiser Dance is nearly upon us! If you are local to the Chittenango, New York area, or will be in the area for the dance, you won't want to miss it.<br /><br />The annual fundraiser dance is going to be Saturday, February 5th, from 7PM to 11PM, at the Rusty Rail, on State Route 5, in Canastota, NY.<br />Ticket price: <strong>$14 per person</strong><br />Music for dancing by: Alter Ego<br /><br />To get your tickets call 415-8546 or 687-6250 Today!<br /><br />For more details check out <a href="http://oz-stravaganza.com/content/community-night-out-2011">the Official Oz-Stravaganza! Website</a>.Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01750313768285257990noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438142544567323630.post-59799274473343226162011-01-29T12:40:00.005-05:002011-01-29T12:57:42.859-05:00New Blog Authors On Their WayWe have some new Blog Authors joining us here at the Oz-Stravaganza! Blog, where we talk about all things related to L. Frank Baum's works, including, but not limited to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.<div><br /></div><div>Did you know that L. Frank Baum, the Royal Historian of Oz, was born in Chittenango, New York? Every year we throw a great bash in his honor and in the honor of all of the people who have added to and partaken in creating and continuing the telling of great Oz tales. We call this celebration Oz-Stravaganza!, and it is a great event to attend in the pleasant temperatures of Central New York in the summer.</div><div><br /></div><div>Every year we have a theme. Last year's theme was honoring one of the many books that Baum wrote about Oz, The Emerald City of Oz. That book turned 100 years old last year. This year, our theme is "Celebrating Dorothy". To help us celebrate the character of Dorothy, we are honored to have <a href="http://oz-stravaganza.com/content/2011-guest-lineup">Caren Marsh-Doll</a> as our Grand Marshal. Did I mention we have an out-standing parade as a part of the event? </div><div><br /></div><div>This year's <a href="http://oz-stravaganza.com/">Oz-Stravaganza!</a> will be kicked off on Friday the 3rd of June, 2011. We will have some fire-works to kick off the event, and ensure that everyone from munchkins to good witches and everyone in-between knows it has begun. There will be simply more things to do, see, and buy than I can mention in this short post. So, be sure to check back often for more news, and check <a href="http://oz-stravaganza.com/">the official Oz-Stravaganza! Website</a> for the latest information.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ken Walling</div><div>Oz-Historian in Training</div><div><br /></div>Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01750313768285257990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438142544567323630.post-87594538272750866962010-06-06T20:41:00.002-04:002010-06-06T21:26:12.486-04:00Its a TWISTER! Its a TWISTER! ...but what a finish!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lessonsfromoz.com/images/main-image.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 370px; height: 481px;" src="http://lessonsfromoz.com/images/main-image.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ourfarmbook.com/pictures/cover.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 465px; height: 600px;" src="http://www.ourfarmbook.com/pictures/cover.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Oz-Stravaganza! 2010 came to an early end this morning, when a tornado paid a visit to the park. While sightings of witches on broomsticks and bicycles were few, one vendor reported seeing debris in the funnel of the tornado.<br /><br />The park was closed, and the Munchkins were set up in the American Legion in Chittenango, for autographs. The silent auction was also completed at the Chittenango American Legion Post.<br /><br />I had an opportunity to speak with several of the authors from this year's "Author's Alley". Julienne La Fleur gave me a copy of her book, <a href="http://lessonsfromoz.com/">Lessons From Oz</a>. Julienne has a very natural and pleasant joy about her, and I hope to have an opportunity to interview her for either this blog, and/or the official Oz-stravaganza! Website. The book appears to be an easy read, with great insight into applying the varied scenes of the movie "The Wizard of Oz" to every day life in a way that is uplifting and encouraging.<br /><br />I had some time to speak also with Jane Lahr and Maya Gottfried, our mother and daughter Grand Marshal team. Jane is the daughter, and Maya the granddaughter of Bert Lahr, who played "The Lion" in the original motion picture "The Wizard of Oz". I was lucky enough to get to see some great black and white photos of Bert posing in costume. Maya is promoting her book, <a href="http://www.ourfarmbook.com/">Our Farm By The Animals Of Farm Sanctuary</a>, which contains her poems and paintings by Robert Rahway Zakanitch.<br /><br />I also had an opportunity to speak with Dennis Anfuso, who drew me a picture of "The Nome King" while we talked about some of the Oz books that character appeared in. Dennis is a talented author and illustrator who has done such works as <a href="http://dennisanfuso.com/">The Winged Monkeys of Oz, The Astonishing Tale of the Gump of Oz, and A Promise Kept In Oz</a>.<br /><br />I briefly touched base with Joshua Dudly as well. He is the author of <a href="http://lostinoz.joshuapdudley.com/">Lost in Oz</a>; and, I'm hoping to have more time to talk with him about his works at some point in the near future.<br /><br />Lastly, I had the great privilege of meeting John Fricke, whom it seems everyone in "the Oz world" knows. John is not only a well of Oz and Oz-related information, but also a memorable personality and an impressive public speaker. I'm looking forward to talking more with John about all things Oz.<br /><br />Oz-Stravaganza! 2010 has ended - and it is now time to wrap up things with a rainbow of thank-you notes. Once the Oz Committee has their final wrap-up meeting - it will be time to start preparing for Oz-Stravaganza! 2011!Metajunkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116799709930780786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438142544567323630.post-28420737499757262582010-06-04T22:23:00.002-04:002010-06-04T22:41:56.695-04:00Oz-Stravaganza! 2010 Has Kicked Off!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-J_QgVYhneT8RNY40mym8lBXsvPKhD6Yc9yufp_F5NdVz3lbTtJ6GW0fbgH8NexTsXbG7y8zgDJDuF7LyZYHNaEKCZ9mT7njm8XmfHj0pVcs3o5K8vjVhBzYAT9EcGQzptJkGEIajpvF/s1600/IMG_2522.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-J_QgVYhneT8RNY40mym8lBXsvPKhD6Yc9yufp_F5NdVz3lbTtJ6GW0fbgH8NexTsXbG7y8zgDJDuF7LyZYHNaEKCZ9mT7njm8XmfHj0pVcs3o5K8vjVhBzYAT9EcGQzptJkGEIajpvF/s400/IMG_2522.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479114228980583650" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypYod_zc4FcB_P_j7q-rttUltCFO15xVHNG9jp10SVxtAKucqJXHzaNaDRD4_iWz0bVeCrO0u8fuhur04rp7J2HFpys2-A4om9EazR4Pz4_z72gTzNI1l9PdoSfAcs3tUWFoPan2UUI70/s1600/IMG_2517.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypYod_zc4FcB_P_j7q-rttUltCFO15xVHNG9jp10SVxtAKucqJXHzaNaDRD4_iWz0bVeCrO0u8fuhur04rp7J2HFpys2-A4om9EazR4Pz4_z72gTzNI1l9PdoSfAcs3tUWFoPan2UUI70/s400/IMG_2517.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479110123291488626" border="0" /></a>As always, the fireworks display was great! With synchronizations to soundtrack clips from The Wizard of Oz, I felt like the Wizard was right out on the baseball field for a moment. :)<br /><br /><br /><br />I can't wait to see you all at the festival tomorrow and Sunday. Don't forget to pick up a set of collector's buttons!Metajunkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116799709930780786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438142544567323630.post-25424548661173224102010-06-03T17:07:00.002-04:002010-06-03T17:25:11.814-04:00The Best Wizard of Oz Festival is Only One Day Away!We are only one day away from the kick-off of the World's Best Wizard of Oz Festival: Oz-Stravaganza!<br /><br />We have been busy making the website as useful as possible to all of the Oz Fans. We are looking forward to seeing Oz Fans from all over the world! The farthest place I know folks are visiting from this year is Scotland! If you know of a visitor from a farther place, please leave a comment on this blog and let me know! :)<br /><br />There is so much to do this coming weekend, that I hope you all download a copy of the Oz-Stravaganza! Program in advance of your arrival. You can find the Program at: <a href="http://www.oz-stravaganza.com/content/2010-oz-stravaganza-program">Oz-Stravaganza! Program</a><br /><br />If you are interested in participating in the Silent Auctions that will be taking place throughout the weekend, you should really get a leg up on your competition, by checking out what is on the auction block: <a href="http://www.oz-stravaganza.com/content/2010-silent-auction-item-list">Oz-Stravaganza! Silent Auction Items</a><br /><br />Both the Coloring Contest, and the Writing Contest Winners have been announced on our website:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.oz-stravaganza.com/content/2010-coloring-contest">Coloring Contest Winners</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.oz-stravaganza.com/content/oz-stravaganza-writing-contest">Writing Contest Winners</a><br /><br />Also the Finalists for Emerald City Idol have been announced! You can check out the list of the up-and-coming Emerald City Icons on the <a href="http://www.oz-stravaganza.com/content/emerald-city-idol-singing-contest">Oz-Stravaganza! Website</a>.<br /><br />You won't want to miss these folks sing! So, make sure you plan your Oz-Stravaganza! Weekend ahead of time, by checking out the <a href="http://www.oz-stravaganza.com/sites/oz-stravaganza.com/files/program_web_use_0.pdf">Oz-Stravaganza! Program</a>.<br /><br />When I see you this weekend, you will no doubt be able to agree with me, that Oz-Stravaganza! is the Best Wizard of Oz Festival in the World... after all - It is Where Oz All Began!Metajunkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116799709930780786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438142544567323630.post-44937789060293542292010-05-18T21:34:00.003-04:002010-05-26T20:48:11.453-04:00Bring Back The Emerald City To Chittenango!It is that time of year again! It is just about time to light the village green for Oz-Stravagana!<br /><br />Starting on June 1st, 2010, the Oz-Stravaganza! Committee is asking businesses and homes in and around the village of Chittenango to decorate their homes and businesses with green lights.<br /><br />Some local businesses have already started getting in the spirit by displaying oz-related memorabilia in their store-fronts. It is a great time to catch the wave of fun that is Oz-Stravaganza!<br /><br />The "Light the Village Green" event this past winter was a huge success; and we look forward to seeing all of the creative displays of green lights again starting on June 1st.<br /><br />For folks who have yet to buy their green holiday lights - I heard a reliable source say that there is a limited supply still available at Kinney Drugs in Chittenango. ;)<br /><br /><br />Oz-Stravaganza! is so close I think I can hear the munchkins singing! :)Metajunkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116799709930780786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438142544567323630.post-61672667494625401342010-05-18T21:22:00.003-04:002010-05-18T21:32:01.905-04:00Wizard of Oz Writing Contest Being Judged!All of the entries have been received, and the judging has begun. Preliminary news is that there has been an even better turn out this year than last.<br /><br />We are all looking forward to learning the names of the winners in each age category, on Oz-Stravaganza! weekend.<br /><br />The winners will each receive a copy of the book <u>The Hidden Prince of Oz</u>, written by Gina Wickwar and signed by Bob Baum.<br /><br />We can't wait to see you this year at <a href="http://oz-stravaganza.com">Oz-Stravaganza!</a> Where Oz All Began!Metajunkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116799709930780786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438142544567323630.post-17920590375774399772010-04-21T11:53:00.002-04:002010-04-21T12:13:02.649-04:00The BEST Wizard of Oz Festival on Earth!What is the best festival in the world for lovers of The Wizard of Oz? Oz-Stravaganza! Not only is it where it all began, but we celebrate "all things Oz". Every year there is a different theme. This year the theme is based on "The Emerald City of Oz", which is the sixth book in the series.<div><br /></div><div>Many folks aren't even aware that there is more than one book about the Land of Oz! Last year was my first Oz-Stravaganza! I had no idea there was more than one book. Before last year's event, I thought I was going to attend a festival honoring the author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. I thought that there was going to be a bunch of stuff about the movie, The Wizard of Oz. I was right - but there was SO MUCH MORE! The biggest thrill was to find out that there is a large collection of books all written by L. Frank Baum, which were set in the fairyland called Oz. Chittenango, being the birthplace of Baum, really is where it all began.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you come to Chittenango, in Upstate New York, this June 4th, 5th, and 6th, for our Wizard of Oz festival we call Oz-Stravaganza! From hot air balloon rides to enjoying the presence of Munchkins from the original movie, you will be filled with a joy only found in the Fairyland of Oz! There will be rides for the kids and artisans selling their crafts. There will be contests and displays. You will, without a doubt, have passed Land of Oz 101 by the end of the weekend. Learning about the fantastic is like cotton candy for your imagination!</div><div><br /></div><div>If you loved the Wizard of Oz - treat yourself this year with a trip to Oz-Stravaganza! You can get more information about our festival at our <a href="http://www.oz-stravaganza.com">Oz-Stravaganza! website</a>.</div>Metajunkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116799709930780786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438142544567323630.post-55640781253975491322010-03-31T20:20:00.002-04:002010-03-31T20:27:57.768-04:00Last Chance to Make Money of Oz-Stravaganza! via Pizza Hut!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pizzahut.com/Images/Common/hdrLogo2.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 283px; height: 57px;" src="http://www.pizzahut.com/Images/Common/hdrLogo2.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCnPOOTnsKRucOXHmvwsh5fjvq1CLlf0KyLfWkPpaOEoNIXlpJsjKNT_IQk7Js5kP9WKSZYSn5t2FaAUt_b86_Qu2P1GZEjEbeRQfiAxFCgEoY39KRB0fyF4LFe1BtaUq4OSoNLr2NStqc/s1600/IMG_2435.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCnPOOTnsKRucOXHmvwsh5fjvq1CLlf0KyLfWkPpaOEoNIXlpJsjKNT_IQk7Js5kP9WKSZYSn5t2FaAUt_b86_Qu2P1GZEjEbeRQfiAxFCgEoY39KRB0fyF4LFe1BtaUq4OSoNLr2NStqc/s320/IMG_2435.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454957735265923938" border="0" /></a><br />Come and join some of the local characters! Pizza Hut will donate a portion of your bill to Oz-Stravaganza! up until 10PM tonight!<br /><br />There isn't a more tasteful way to earn some cash to help support Oz-Stravaganza!<br /><br />I just finished eating there - and the pizza was excellent, the company was above average, and a generous portion of our bill will be donated to help fund Oz-Stravaganza!<br /><br />Why are you still reading this blog post? Time is running out! Go get some pizza at Pizza Hut!Metajunkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116799709930780786noreply@blogger.com0