Judy Garland - Letter from Home - Guinness World Record!

Judy Garland's Birthplace
Autumn 2014

     Since we last wrote, summer has come and gone, autumn arrived, and for all intents and purposes it is now winter northern Minnesota. We apologize for the long delay with this newsletter, so we’ll get right on to all the great news.

We Smashed the Guinness World Record!

Yes, it’s true! We broke the Guinness World record for the most persons dressed as characters from the 1939 film, “The Wizard of Oz.”  The number to beat was 446, a record set in England back in 2010.  We had 1,150 persons show up on Friday, June 13^th, 2014 at 5:30pm. Of these, 1,093 qualified under the Guinness rules and regulations. For a closer look, please visit YouTube and watch the film by A+B Productions. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyF_QrxN8dI&feature=youtu.be

Reece Veatch

As we wrote previously, the idea for the Guinness World Attempt was originated by nine-year-old Reece Veatch. For more information on this, please read our January 2014 newsletter. http://garlandletterfromhome.blogspot.com/2014/01/january-2014-newsletter-guinness-world.html

Many tried to break the world record for the most persons dressed as characters from The Wizard of Oz, however no one came close to 1,093 figure. Even in the record of persons dressing as storybook or film characters, this figure has only been passed in a couple of instances. Needless to say, Reece Veatch, The Judy Garland Museum, Grand Rapids and Itasca County are all very proud of this accomplishment. Over one thousand people can say, “I was there!”

Festival Events

Meanwhile, The Wizard of Oz Festival as a whole was very popular this year. There were all kinds of events for children and adults alike. Here are a few of the highlights.
The Festival opened on June 10^th with cupcakes celebrating Judy’s 92^nd birthday (though we know she will be forever young).  That day was the first showing of one of the Festival Highlights.

New Wizard of Oz Exhibit!

Tuesday was an exciting day for the Judy Garland Museum because of the grand opening of the new “Land of Oz” exhibit. A good portion of this exhibit is comprised of more than 2,000 unique artifacts and memorabilia from The Cheryl Ann Silich Wizard of Oz Collection.

Included in this exhibit area also some very precious artifacts from The Judy Garland Museum collection, a portion of which have not been seen by the public before, including a rare copy of The Wizard of Oz book by L. Frank Baum signed by the stars of the 1939 film.

The highlight for many was seeing the carriage from the Emerald City itself, on a mirrored revolving turntable which allows the viewer to see the carriage from every angle. This carriage, which Dorothy and her friends rode in on their arrival into Oz, was originally built for President Abraham Lincoln, The carriage is a rare and precious artifact because of its significance to both film and American history enthusiasts.



One of the many cases with items on exhibit.

Not far from the carriage is one of the original test dresses made for Judy Garland as well as a talking witch, a replica of Margaret Hamilton’s Wicked Witch of the West, and an original Winkie sword from the film, among other rare items.

Visitors also were thrilled to see the vast array of items and the newly fabricated gallery with “Emerald Green” and “Ruby Red” walls. In the last few months, visitors have come as far as California specifically to see this exhibit. “The Land of Oz” exhibit will be on display at the museum for at least five years, so don’t miss it!

Judy's Karaoke Birthday Party

A karaoke party celebrating Judy Garland’s birthday was hosted Tuesday night at the Sawmill Inn by the multi-talented Tom Hendricks. Tom is most famous here in Grand Rapids for his appearances as the Scarecrow. It was certainly a fun night with participants of all ages. At one point, Tom was seen dancing through the ballroom with a bunch of children following along. The crowd also took delight in singing “Happy Birthday” to Judy.

Carriage Rides with a Horse of a Different Color

The Horse of a Different Color with Tom Hendricks (Scarecrow)
and Ray Nickel (Carriage Driver)

Wednesday, many events took place downtown at the Old Central Schoolhouse. A grand event that day was the arrival of Reece Veatch as our Dorothy for the day in a wagon pulled by a “horse of a different color.” Riding along with her were the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, Glinda and a host of other characters from the film. Even the Wizard himself, in the form of John Kelsch, director of the Judy Garland Museum, was on hand, along with Grand Rapids’ Mayor, Dale Adams, who appeared dressed as the Munchkin Mayor.

 Unfortunately, it was cold and rainy in Grand Rapids that day, but that didn’t seem to matter to the kids, who took ride after ride once Dorothy and friends had disembarked. Unbeknownst to the children, our volunteer horse was painted blue on one side and orange on the other. Riding in a large circle, each time the horse turned it seemed he had changed colors. The children were thrilled.

Oz Mystery Dinner

Wednesday night’s highlight was the Oz Mystery Dinner Theater. Performed by the Uncommon Loons actors and an Australian puppy sweetly filling in as Toto from his basket, the sold out audience enjoyed a delicious dinner, fabulous Oz cake, and were held enthralled by the story.

 In the play (which took place after Oz), the Scarecrow became a lawyer, the Tin Man, a mechanic, and the Lion got involved in the underworld. Meanwhile, the ruby slippers were missing and it was up to Dorothy to figure out what happened and get them back!  We won’t tell how things turned out, but it was great fun.

The Toto Too Contest

There were seven contestants for the Toto Too dog contest. Page, Buddy, Rosie, Kudo, Bailey, Bee and Beau.The dogs were judged on their obedience, originality of the tricks and the owner/dog stage performance. All dogs ranged in points from 14 – 22.

 Page, John Suhadole’s dog, was the winner of the Toto Too contest.  Although Page was the closest in looks to Toto, the real clincher was her ability to perform many unique tricks. Page responded immediately to commands to sit, lie down, beg, stay, leave a treat untouched until told, and kiss. Beau, who belonged to Heather, took second place, responding to commands to sit, shake, stand and dance.

Thursday events also included an Oz film festival, Wizard of Oz Jeopardy and the Welcome to Oz Banquet.

John Fricke with Michelle
Russell, who is dressed in
a replica of Munchkin
Margaret Pellegrini's
original WOZ costume

John Fricke Oz Talks

Along with the many events taking place on Friday, besides the Guinness World Record attempt, two talks given by Oz Historian John Fricke were certainly the highlight of the day. The first talk focused on the “Making of the Wizard of Oz.” As always with Fricke, the audience learned things they had never heard before and were thoroughly entertained.

The second talk, “The Impact of Oz” was equally fascinating and audience members were given the chance to ask questions of Mr. Fricke.

Talent Contest

Volunteers at the Judy Garland Museum spent a lot of effort getting the word out to our local schools and community centers about the youth talent contest for boys and girls between the ages of six and eighteen. In addition, word was spread online and in the newspapers. We wanted to make sure that every talented young person who wanted to was able to show their talent and receive the opportunity to win one of the three scholarships, the largest being $1,000.



First Place Winner,
Guilia Piscitelli

The show took place at the Reif Center and a wonderful group of 20 talented acts  performed. One girl with a remarkable voice traveled from Duluth. Several others came from as far as southern Wisconsin. There were musicians, singers, dancers and comedians.

The judges had a difficult time deciding on the great talent. In the end, Guilia Piscitelli, who performed an unforgettable classical ballet to “Over the Rainbow” won first place. Evan Hisey took second place for his performance of “If I Only Had a Brain, Kaitlin and Olivia Skaja took third place for their performance.

Next Year’s Festival

This year’s festival was so popular attendees were already asking for the dates of the 2015 festival the day after. Although no specific plans are available for release at this time, the scheduled dates are June 10^th – 13^th. We will be posting information in the next few months. Please send us your ideas and comments.

Judy Garland appears to greet a visitor on
the First Friday Walk event.

First Friday Walk

The Judy Garland and Children’s Museum are now a part of Grand Rapids’ monthly First Friday Walk – an event where locals visit various cultural attractions around town. This past month, the museum was graced by the very popular Ophoven Family. This group consisting of mom, dad, two sisters and two brothers, are all brilliantly talented musicians playing everything from religious to classic American songs and country.

The Ophoven family performing in
the Children's Discovery Museum

This month, on Friday, December 5^th, the museum will host “Fireside Christmas Concert with Wayne and Laurie.” The performance will go from 6:30 – 8:00p, There is a $2 charge per person which includes admission to the museum. A “free-will” donation for the performers is requested and snacks are available.

News from Home!

On September 22^nd, John Kelsch, director of The Judy Garland Museum was married to Michelle Russell at the historic Mission Inn in Riverside, California. Michelle, who has been coming to the Judy Garland Festival since 1995, is also the author of From Tennessee to Oz, The Amazing Saga of Judy Garland’s Family History.

End of the Year Fundraiser

As 2014 draws to a close, we celebrate achievements of 2014 and looking toward the future. As with every year, we are still in need of funding to keep the Judy Garland Museum and Birthplace dream alive.

As wonderful as our festivals are, they are not large fundraisers. We need your support and your ideas. Please keep us in mind with your end of the year donations. No amount is too small! We absolutely depend on you!

Come One, Come All for the Ho Ho Ho Down Christmas Party!!!
Saturday, December 6^th from 2 – 4pm, The Judy Garland Museum and Children’s Discovery Center will host a Christmas party. Everyone is invited. There will be hayrides, crafts, snacks, and SANTA will be in attendance!

As 2014 closes we want to thank everyone for their support. We are looking forward to a great 2015. Have a Merry Christmas and a very happy Holiday Season.

June 2014 - Film on Judy Garland Museum & Festival Week!

Hello Everyone!

We are now one week from the great Wizard of Oz Festival, celebrating 75 years of the 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz. Of course, the film stars the one and only Judy Garland and this Wizard of Oz Festival will take place in her home town, Grand Rapids, MINNESOTA.

We have a few bits of news we want to pass on, so here they are in our very short June Letter from Home.

 

New Documentary Film Stars the Judy Garland Museum.

In past newsletters we’ve noted the up and coming Gems of Itasca. This week the producers of the film launched their first segment of the film on YouTube. It’s a great 8 minute segment, so be sure to check it out and come back for more in the coming weeks. Here’s the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGFHpSHM-Kg

 

The side garden of the Judy Garland Birthplace is a lovely
place to have a picnic lunch or just take a break.

 

New Exhibit Opens the Festival!

 This year there will be a new Exhibit at the Judy Garland Museum – a special Land of Oz Exhibit containing thousands of unique and rare Oz items. The Land of Oz will be open to the public for the first time the morning of June 10^th – Judy Garland’s birthday. We are sure you will be thrilled with this exhibit and the top secret surprises you’ll find in the gallery. Don’t miss it.

 Meanwhile, there have been some unforeseen delays in bringing this exhibit to our gallery. In seems we may have promised visitors a new Judy Garland Exhibit in addition to the Oz Exhibit. Unfortunately, mounting a new Garland Exhibit was not possible this year, but we are sure you’ll find many wonderful items relating to Judy Garland, as well as items that were owned by her, in our present exhibit.

 

Notes for Guinness Attendees

 

One of the most exciting events looked forward to at this year’s Festival is the attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the most persons dressed as characters from the 1939 Wizard of Oz film. Here’s some information for those planning to attend:

1.     Please plan to be early for this event. The gate for the Guinness location will open at 5:00 pm. Please note the following:

-         Persons must go through the entrance in single file– which could take some time, so please be there and ready to go in between 5:00 and 5:15 pm

-         A $1.00 donation per person as a donation to Habitat for Humanity is required

-         You will be given a yellow numbered arm band to put on your RIGHT wrist

-         Once everyone is inside, there will be a five minute wait and an photo taken

-         We will have music and commentary by Borg Entertainment.

 

Julianne & Melanie Jacobson along with

Reed and Tom Hendricks

2.     On Friday, June 13^th, parking will be available for those attending the Festival and taking part in the Guinness attempt at the following places:

-         The Lutheran Church next to the museum

-         Across the street, the back (toward the highway) part the parking lots for Walmart

-         Home Depot

-         Cub Foods 
 

3.     Shuttle Service will  be available for the above parking lots to the Museum from 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm

It’s going to be great fun and a memorable day!

 

***

On another note, Tickets are still available for our Wednesday night Oz Mystery Dinner and our Thursday Welcome Banquet.

Weather permitting, you will be able to take a photo with a replica of the Oz Hot Air Balloon at the Thursday dinner.

Be sure to visit the http://www.JudyGarlandmuseum.com for all the details.

For those who can’t make it, we will be back later in the summer to tell you some of the details!

Best wishes until then!

 

PS: Be sure to look for the antique 1922 fire engine in front of the Judy Garland Museum this summer!

Please visit our Facebook site and "Like!"  Thank you!

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Judy-Garland-Museum/157870361075815?ref=hl

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/judygarlandmuse

 

May 2014 - Judy Garland - Wizard of Oz News!

          Spring is finally here and there are only a few weeks until the Judy Garland-Wizard of Oz Festival. So without further ado, here’s all the news from “the Emerald City!”

      WELCOME TO
               THE 
YELLOW BRICK ROAD

Last week the entrance to the Judy Garland and Children’s Discovery Museum received a makeover—a real Yellow Brick Road. We just can’t wait for you to see it!

As a fundraiser for the Museum, bricks may be purchased to engrave with your name or a message. Three lines of engraving fit on each brick with 16 characters (or spaces) per line. The cost is $100.

Although the cut-off to have a brick engraved before the Festival was May 16th, you may still purchase a brick. It will be engraved after June 15th - but will be there forever! Please contact us via phone (218) 327- 9276 or by email jgarland@uslink.com

Gems of Itasca Premiere - 

Showcases the Judy Garland Museum

This Wednesday, May 21^st an exciting event will take place at the Timberlake Lodge in Grand Rapids. A+B Productions will premiere their new documentary film about Itasca County, Gems of Itasca.

Many of you may recall a year ago seeing Alisi Styles and Benjamin Braff with their company, A+B Productions, filming events at the Judy Garland Festival. In addition to the Judy Garland Museum and Festival, A+B Productions covered stories on the Melodie Mississippi Showboat, Bovey, local cuisine and the Deer River Rice Festival.

Beginning on May 29^th, the film, which is in 8 minute segments, will be uploaded over an eight week period on the Gems of Itasca U-Tube Channel. We'll let you know more about this exciting documentary in our coming newsletters.

To read more about Gems of Itasca, please visit last week's article in the Grand Rapids Herald Review:

http://www.grandrapidsmn.com/news/our-gems-soon-to-be-on-display/article_5452789a-db6c-11e3-9171-0019bb2963f4.html

IMPORTANT NOTE 

FESTIVAL BANQUETS & BREAKFAST

If you plan to attend a Festival Breakfast or Dinner, please make sure you buy your tickets immediately! This year your tickets for meal events MUST BE PURCHASED BY JUNE 5^th. The Museum has to give a head count for meals to the Sawmill, so again, if you plan to attend one of these events and you have not purchased your ticket yet, please do so.

Tickets may easily be purchased by going to our site: http://www.JudyGarlandMuseum.com Tickets may be paid for via Paypal.

WELCOME BREAKFAST – EXCITING NEWS

"WHO STOLE THE RUBY SLIPPERS?"

The Welcome Breakfast on Wednesday, June 11th has been changed slightly, but we think the change is going to be even more exciting for attendees. Originally, the detectives working on the case involving the stolen Ruby Slippers were set to speak, however, we have received word that the investigation has reached a critical point and, in order not to jeopardize the case, they will be unable to give the talk originally planned.

Meanwhile, film makers Theodore James and Chris Westlund of Los Angeles, California contacted the museum about their new documentary film, Who Stole the Ruby Slippers? In fact, early last week, the pair flew in from Los Angeles to interview various persons and film around town. So, as of now, those attending the Wednesday Welcome Breakfast, will have the honor of getting to see a rough cut of this new film! It should be really exciting and especially interesting for Garland and Wizard of Oz fans.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT – MYSTERY DINNER

Wednesday night, June 11th, The Wizard of Oz Festival is hosting a mystery dinner at the Sawmill. Although most mystery dinners involve murder, but we’re keeping ours murder free! We think it will be an evening that everyone can enjoy.

Set in a film noir style, the "Great Oz" has become a detective and, Dorothy seeks him out to help her find those precious Ruby Slippers, which are have mysteriously disappeared. Oz sets out to interview the suspects. There’s the Scarecrow, who is now a lawyer, the Tin Man, who has become a mechanic and the Cowardly Lion, who after taking up boxing for a time, retired and has somehow gotten mixed up with the mob. So the question is, who did it?

Written by playwright Nathan Bergsted and starring members of the Uncommon Loons Theater Company, we can’t imagine the outcome, but Wednesday night promises to be a good time of good fun and laughter. The style of menu will be in keeping with the theme. Cost of the meal and show is $35.00 per person.

**GUINNESS WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT** 

SPREAD THE WORD!

Replica of Munchkin Margaret Pellegrini's
costume in The Wizard of Oz

Are you planning to attend the Guinness World Record Attempt in Grand Rapids, Minnesota on June 13th? Visit our Facebook page and show-off your costume!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Judy-Garland-Museum/157870361075815

There is no way to tell how many people will show up on this date. It could be a few hundred or a thousand. We are depending on every one to show up as a character. 

Just remember, Guinness states that you must be instantly recognizable" as a character from the 1939 film and dressed "from head to toe" as that character – not just in part.

To be counted, visit us on Facebook, click Events and add your name to the list of people coming. Let’s keep the excitement growing.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Judy-Garland-Museum/157870361075815?id=157870361075815&sk=events

For more information on that day, June 13^th, 2014, please read the next article.

DONATIONS AVAILABLE 

FOR CHARITIES PARTICIPATING IN GUINNESS

Last week we received some exciting news. In order to help us break the Guinness World Record Attempt – and help local charities - an anonymous donor has come forward and offered to donate money to charitable groups who send persons dressed for this event.

Since this newsletter was first posted, new guidelines have been formulated to consider those applying for this donation. In part, we have learned that only organizations in the area will be considered. In addition, the organization must guarantee that a certain amount of persons will appear to be considered for this donation offer. 

The Judy Garland Museum will have a number of costumes available for loan for groups participating in this offer. To find out more, please contact the Judy Garland Museum: 
(218) 327- 9276.

MORE GUINNESS INFORMATION

What to expect on Friday, June 13th. There will be a roped off area between the Judy Garland Museum and the Zion Lutheran Church. As you enter, you will be videotaped and received a wrist band with a number. Once everyone has arrived and is inside the enclosure with wrist band, two arial photos will be taken. 

Following this event, you can go to dinner and then come back to watch“The Wizard of Oz” on the lawn at dusk. Pizza, drinks and souvenirs will be available!

PLEASE COME EARLY. The time set for the photo is around 5:30. We'd like to have this event completed not later than 6:00 pm. See you there! (IN CASE OF RAIN - we will be meeting at the Civic Center.)

PARKING:  Several businesses have donated space in their parking lots for this event: Zion Lutheran Church, just to the left of the Museum, the back parking lots of Walmart and Home Depot across the street from the Museum. In addition, there will be two small buses available to transport people across the street.

THE WIZARD OF OZ YOUTH TALENT CONTEST

Julianne as Dorothy and Reed as Tin Man came
out to the Fish Opener in freezing weather this June
to advertise the Wizard of Oz Festival.

There are still spots available for our Youth Talent Contest which takes place Saturday, June 14^th at the Reif Center. Prizes (including scholarship money) range between $1,000, $500 and $100.

One of the judges on this event is Judy Garland's son, Joe Luft.

It's not took late to apply, so please visit our website or call and get involved. This is a great opportunity. We want to see you!

Please visit our earlier newsletters for more information on this contest.
http://www.judygarlandmuseum.com

New! JUDY GARLAND – WIZARD OF OZ SHIRT

There will be a lot of surprises for our yearly Festival visitors. We can't reveal them all now, but one item is our new Wizard of Oz souvenir t-shirt, which comes in both white and green. 

Youth sized shirts are $14.99 and come in sizes: XS, M and L.  Adult shirts are $19.99 and come in sizes: Small thru 2XL.

NEW EXHIBIT OPENS ON JUDY GARLAND'S BIRTHDAY, JUNE 10th

The new Wizard of Oz Exhibit and the new Judy Garland Exhibit are both being worked on with thousands of items not viewed before. Unpacking all these surprises has been a little like Christmas every day. The Wizard of Oz Exhibit, now titled, "Land of Oz," will be opened to the public for the first time on June 10th in the morning.

***

The amazing Land of Oz - Wizard of Oz Exhibit opens
June 10th, Judy Garland's Birthday.

Well, we must say goodbye for now. We hope you enjoyed all the news and hope to see you at the Festival. Good wishes until our next newsletter!

For further information, please visit the following:

Visit: http://www.judygarlandmuseum.com

Please visit our Facebook site and "Like!"  Thank you!

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Judy-Garland-Museum/157870361075815?ref=hl

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/judygarlandmuse

April 2014 - Judy Garland - Wizard of Oz Festival News

Spring seems to have finally arrived in Grand Rapids. The snow is melting and both roofs and grass can be seen for the first time in nearly six months. Now with the Judy Garland - Wizard of Oz Festival just two months away, we wanted to make sure to keep you informed. 

Sadly, early this week we received word of the loss of one of  Judy Garland's greatest co-stars, Mickey Rooney, who passed away Sunday, April 6th at the age of 93.

Mr. Rooney had a phenomenal career. Beginning with his stage debut at the age of 17 months, he worked 91 years of show business. There is truly no one like him, and never will be. 

Mickey and Judy first met when they were kids attending Mrs. Lawlor's School for Professional Children. Later at MGM, they made nine films together. Many of these are considered among Garland and Rooney's best - classics. In 1939, Mickey Rooney was named the number on Box Office star, topping Spencer Tracey and Clark Gable. 

Mickey Rooney signing autographs
in Judy's Grand Rapids dining room,
Behind him is wife, Jan.

Mickey Rooney came to Judy Garland's hometown three times. His first trip was the result of June Allyson and Sid Luft's encouragement. For this visit, he took part in the Tall Timber Days Parade. His participation in this even caused great excitement in Grand Rapids. Rooney returned to Grand Rapids again in 2000 and 2002, when he and his wife, Jan Rooney, attended the Judy Garland Festival as a special guests. Mickey and Jan performed their “Let's Put on A Show” at the Reif Center, and Mickey took part in a special question and answer session. 

Mickey & Jan performed
their "Let's Put on a Show"
in Grand Rapids

Mickey Rooney was one of the few performers left who could boast theatrical beginnings in vaudeville and MGM stardom. Mickey, like Judy, knew how the entertain an audience and make them laugh! Those who attended Mickey's performance were deeply moved by his words about his old friend and co-star, Judy Garland. We all were lucky to see one of the greats of show business on stage. 

Our deepest condolences to his family and friends.

See this article on Mickey in Grand Rapids from the Tuesday Duluth paper:
http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/content/mickey-rooneys-link-judy-garland-drew-him-grand-rapids

An Interview with our Scarecrow, Tom Hendricks

One of The Judy Garland Museum's great supporters is Tom Hendricks, a Minneapolis actor who often comes to Grand Rapids and plays the Scarecrow. Recently, Tom came to town to help promote our June Wizard of Oz Festival. Accompanied around town by museum director, John Kelsch, Tom, in his Scarecrow costume, stopped traffic everywhere he went. The pair visited many local businesses, and Tom appeared on our local ICTV (Itasca Community TV) as well, making a big hit with the locals.

On Saturday, our Scarecrow attended two story times at the Grand Rapids Public Library, where he gave the children a thrill, telling them the story of “The Wizard of Oz.” He even got some of the children to play characters in the story, turning it into a mini-stage play.

With all this excitement going on, we thought it might be a good idea to interview Mr. Hendricks and let him tell you some things about himself and this years festival.

Judy Garland Museum: To begin with, this year we are celebrating the 75^th Anniversary of the beloved 1939 film,The Wizard of Oz. It's said that half the people in the world, over 3 billion, have seen this movie. And everyone has their own special memories of how they came to know about Oz, whether reading the book or seeing it on film – whichever came first. Can you tell us about your first memory of The Wizard of Oz?

TOM HENDRICKS: I probably saw the movie version first. I also remember being given a copy of the book from my cousins.

JGM: How did you start playing the Scarecrow?

TH: I was cast in my high school spring play production, directed by Patrick Ryan, with choreography by Patti LaGow. I actually stumbled into the auditions as a dare. Since then, I've been in the play three times as the Scarecrow.  Someday I would like to play Captain Hook, I've already played Smee-- from Peter Pan.

JGM: Does The Scarecrow have any particular meaning to you?

TH: Well, its funny you should say that. I think I fell in love with Ray Bolger's character because he needed help--and helped others...that's what I like to do--help them forget their troubles and Come on, Get Happy! Another connection is the fact that Ray Bolger died on January 15--which is my birthdate.

JGM: What responses do you get when you go out in public as the Scarecrow?

TH: It varies by age. Some older folks say lines from the movie before I can even talk. Kids will laugh, and in rare cases, the very young ones cry. Teenagers usually put up a front like "oh, this isn't real." But you know they want to join in the fun--I say to some girls "Are you taking me to the prom?" and they end up laughing so hard and saying "No way!" I want to keep my character true to the movie character, but interactive, so you can ask questions.

JGM: What do you do ordinarily, when you're not playing the Scarecrow?

TH: Well, since first grade, I've been an impressionist/impersonator. Yes at the age of 7 or 8 years of age, I started doing everything from singing like Elvis to playing Lily Tomlin's favorite Operator Ernestine.

Mostly, I like to play people from Old Hollywood: Bette Davis, Jimmy Stewart, Henry Fonda, Katharine Hepburn, Jack Benny, Dame Edna, and Julia Childs...to name a few. I also do presidents: Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon, and singers: Nat King Cole, Buddy Holly, Patsy Cline, George Strait and Johnny Mathis. Most recently I appeared on the Jennie Jones Show, Last Comic Standing (Hollywood Minute), and Minnesota's Infrastructure by A & E.

When not in a role, I do genealogy on other people's family trees.

Tom Hendricks with fan and friend,
Lorraine Lassig-Banks. The pair are
standing in the Judy Garland Birthplace

JGM: Is there anything special you would like to tell folks about The Wizard of Oz Festival and why they should attend?

TH: It's a great event for Kids of all ages from 5 to 105. You can meet people from Australia to England in one place. Most of all, its a place to come "home" to. Minnesota is known for being "nice," and this event is no exception. We honor the vision "that children (and people) can have a safe and fun environment while learning." There are plenty of events to share with family and make great memories. You can also get to know Judy Garland as a person, not just a character from Oz.

JGM: I believe you are hosting one of the events. Is that right?

TH: Oh, yes! Come and SING at our Karaoke Party on Tuesday, June 10^th at the Sawmill Inn Ballroom from 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm! We're going to be celebrating Judy Garland's birthday and I'll be bringing my star voices with me. It's going to be a lot of fun and you can be the singing sensation YOU know you are!

New Yellow Brick Road - Bricks Available!

Last week the old brown museum entry way was torn up. Now the entry way is being prepared for a new Yellow Brick Road. As a fundraiser for the museum, you can buy a brick for $100 and have it engraved with a message or name.

To see your brick this June, bricks need to be purchased by May 1^st, so don't delay.

For those that need to wait, bricks may still be purchased at the Festival and engraved at a later date.

The OZ Mystery Dinner

Don't Miss It!

One of the fun events set to take place at this year's Festival is the OZ Mystery Dinner Party. On Wednesday, June 11^th from 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm, the Judy Garland Museum is hosting the mystery dinner in the Sawmill Inn Ballroom.

Nathan Bergstedt, co-founder of The Uncommon Loons, and Education/Arts Editor at the Grand Rapids Herald Review is in charge of writing and directing this new work. When asked what audiences might expect, Mr. Bergsteadt stated that the play will definitely take on the subject of the missing Ruby Slippers and will star five characters from The Wizard of Oz. Describing what audiences might expect, he called the play as “a film noir style detective story.”

The Ruby Slipper mystery dinner theatre will be performed by members of the Uncommon Loons. This should be a really fun evening of entertainment! For tickets, please contact The Judy Garland Museum:

Judy Garland's Son, Joe Luft,

To Help Judge Youth Talent Contest

Joe Luft has confirmed that he will be attending The Wizard of Oz Festival in Grand Rapids, Minnesota this June and will help decide who wins!

Letters are now being sent to theater groups, libraries and community centers throughout Minnesota and nearby areas. If you are a talented youth between the ages of 6 and 18, please get your application in! You could win one of three prizes: $1,000, $500 or $100, which includes cash and scholarship money!

Get Your Costumes Ready!

GUINNESS WORLD RECORD Time Is Here!

Well, the time is almost here. We're going to attempt to break the Guinness World record and

The real Munchkins from The Wizard of Oz
film who often visited Grand Rapids.

have the MOST persons dressed as recognizable characters from the 1939 Wizard of Oz!

Here's all you need to do. Decide who you want to be – Miss Gulch, Auntie Em, Uncle Henry, The Scarecrow, Dorothy, Tin Woodman, Cowardly Lion, Wicked Witch of the West, Glinda, a Munchkin, Professor Marvel/Wizard of Oz, Flying Monkey, etc. Whatever you choose, your character and your dress must make you “instantly recognizable” as that character from the 1939 film.

• Get your costume together,
• Come to Grand Rapids, Minnesota on Friday, June 13^th, 2014 around 5:00 pm.
• Pay $1.00 which is a donation to Habitat for Humanity.
• Go inside the enclosure in the lot next to the Judy Garland Museum.
• Stay there until 5:30 at which point everyone will be videoed and photographed from above.

Note: once you are inside the enclosure, YOU CANNOT LEAVE until the record of costumed persons is made at 5:30 pm

• After it's over. You can leave. There will be food and souvenirs available.
• As soon as the sun goes down, return and watch The Wizard of Oz on a Jumbo 40 Foot screen on the lawn next to the Museum for free.

Reece, the nine year-old girl who applied to
break the Guinness World Record.
To Learn more, click on the right January tab.

Note: Will will spray for biting bugs! In case of rain, these events will take place at the Civic Center.

Parking – There are many parking lots across the street: Walmart, Home Depot, Cub Foods, Target. Shuttle transportation may be available, so stay tuned.

Get ready! It's easy. You can look up photos online and either design a costume or buy one. Here is one site: http://www.wizardofozcostumes.com.

For further information, please read our January Newsletter – click on the January tab to the right. Let's break the Record!

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Life is busy in Grand Rapids with all kinds of preparations. This Saturday, the Children's Discovery Museum will host an Easter Egg Hunt for members.

Next month we'll have more news. Meanwhile, you may hear some news about us, so be ready!

Happy Spring!

For further information, please visit the following:

Visit: http://www.judygarlandmuseum.com

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