For the 39th consecutive year, the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, the birthplace of Judy Garland, is celebrating the entertainer and her timeless film, “The Wizard of Oz,” during its week-long Wizard of Oz Festival, June 10-15.
“All of us at the Judy Garland Museum are incredibly excited to celebrate the 75th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz during this year’s Wizard of Oz Festival,” said John Kelsch, director of the museum. “The film has become an iconic part of American history, and we are proud to be a part of preserving and celebrating its legacy.”
In recognition of the 75th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz and the movie’s enduring heritage, this year’s festival, formerly the Judy Garland Festival, includes a number of special events.
Kicking off this year’s festivities is the opening of a new Wizard of Oz exhibit at the Judy Garland Museum. The exhibit includes 3,000 items related to the movie, including the carriage that heralded Dorothy and her friends into the Emerald City, an original Winkie Guard spear used at the Wicked Witch of the West’s castle, Dorothy’s Adrian-designed 1938 pinafore test dress, Oz set design watercolors from 1938-39, original movie theatre lobby cards, and much more. The exhibit opening takes place at 10 a.m. June 10 at the museum, 2727 Highway 169 in Grand Rapids.
Mid-week, festival organizers hope to break the Guinness World Record for the most fully costumed Wizard of Oz characters in one place. The current record stands at 446. To break the record, 447 individuals dressed in full Wizard of Oz recognizable character costumes must gather in one place for a minimum of five minutes. The event takes place at 5:30 p.m. June 13 on the Evergreen Terrace Lawn adjacent to the museum.
Additional festival events include a youth talent contest judged by Judy Garland’s son, Joe Luft; presentations on the making of The Wizard of Oz and the movie’s impact by notable Wizard of Oz Historian John Fricke; the Emerald City Fest, including Horse of a Different Color Carriage rides; the Munchkin Baby Shower to benefit Baby Steps Boutique; the Toto, Too Dog Talent Contest; the Oz Film Fest, featuring three different Oz movies; and much more.
To see a complete calendar of events, including dates, times, locations, and fees, visit www.judygarlandmuseum.com.
