Judy Garland Letter
from Home – Wizard of Oz Festival, Part 2
Hello everyone:
We have finally reached that special week – the 2018 Wizard
of Oz Festival! This week, a large
variety of events will take place. In our last blog, we wrote about a number of
events, now we’d like to tell you about what else is going on, as well as
following up on everything.
SAD NEWS THIS WEEK
This week's news told us of the passing of the last living Munchkin from The Wizard of Oz - our friend, Jerry Maren. Jerry was the fellow in the Lollipop Guild who handed Judy/Dorothy the Lollipop. During the last 20+ years, Jerry Maren was tireless in his promotion of the film and it's legacy. He must have sung, "We represent the Lollipop Guild...." hundreds of times for eager fans, and always with the same zest and special flair.
On a personal note, we loved he and his wonderful wife, Liz. Often, when visiting Grand Rapids, the couple could be seen strolling through the Sawmill lobby, arm and arm, after dinner. Dressed perfectly - Jerry with a cigar in hand - the couple represented style and the love of a long, happy marriage. Jerry's voice was unmistakable. He'd had a long career in movies and was not shy about talking to anyone.
Those days were golden for all of us who were there. Jerry lived 99 years, and we are happy that he and Liz can finally be together again.
SAD NEWS THIS WEEK
 |
| Jerry and Liz Maren |
On a personal note, we loved he and his wonderful wife, Liz. Often, when visiting Grand Rapids, the couple could be seen strolling through the Sawmill lobby, arm and arm, after dinner. Dressed perfectly - Jerry with a cigar in hand - the couple represented style and the love of a long, happy marriage. Jerry's voice was unmistakable. He'd had a long career in movies and was not shy about talking to anyone.
Those days were golden for all of us who were there. Jerry lived 99 years, and we are happy that he and Liz can finally be together again.
MORE SHOWS ADDED TO THE LIVING HISTORY PROGRAM
As of yesterday, “The Gumms’ Farewell Party, 1926” Thursday,
June 14th performance was completely sold out! In order to accommodate
everyone who wants to attend in the small space of the Gumms’ front parlor, we
have added two more shows! They are as
follows:
Thursday, June 14th, 5:00 P.M.
Saturday, June 16th, 4:30 P.M.
We should note, you can attend either of these performances
without missing anything else that’s going on. The second Thursday show is now
about half-way sold. Saturday is open and if you want this day, please don’t
wait to buy tickets. We will have to make a judgement call at some point as to
whether it will go on. Tickets are $10.*
*Ask about special rates for children under 10 for the
Saturday show.
RAIN PLANS FOR FRIDAY’S WIZARD OF OZ FILM and DINNER
It has never rained on the night “The Wizard of Oz” is shown
under the stars on a JUMBO screen, however this year, thunder storms have been
predicted as a slight possibility for Friday, June 15th, the date of
the movie! In case of rain, the Judy Garland Museum has an alternate plan. The
Civic Center’s Jerry and Shirley Miner Pavilion has been booked. The Community
Picnic, which begins at 6:00 p.m., as well as The Wizard of Oz Children’s
Costume and the film will all take place here, in case of rain. Bring your lawn
chairs and/or thick blankets.
Although we know it may be a bit of a pain for those attending
the “I Could Go on Singing showing at 7:00 p.m., with the last afternoon event
ending at 4:00 p.m., you will still have time to go the Civic Center, be first
in line, get your dinner at 6:00 p.m. and return in time for the movie.
Nevertheless, we all hope it doesn’t rain!
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
Friday, June 15th, will be an extremely busy day
at the Judy Garland Museum so make your plans now!
The day begins at 10:00 a.m., when the Museum opens with
Judy Oz Jeopardy, conducted by Joe Malinovsky and Paul Herrick. These two
experts have been holding this game for a number of years now. Everyone has a
great time and prizes will be awarded. The price of a ticket is $5.00.
At 1:00 p.m., attend the show and tell, HIDDEN TREASURES
AT THE MUSEUM. Michelle Russell (with the expertise of John Kelsch,
founding director of the museum) will discuss Judy Garland and her family’s
history, pulling from the archive some rare items you’ve never seen or even
knew existed. This is a shorter program, but for those interested in history
and Judy, it should be a fascinating time and worth your while. Tickets are
$10.00.
At 3 p.m., John Fricke will present “Judy’s Miracle Year,
Part 2” with much detail as well as film clips,
As noted – Please see our website, http://www.judygarlandmuseum.com
for details on the balance of this day.
There will be the Community Picnic, another short John
Fricke talk, “I Could Go on Singing” in Blu-ray on our new 12 foot movie screen
in the art room of the Museum, and The Children’s Wizard of Oz Costume Contest,
as well as the unforgettable experience of seeing “The Wizard of Oz” in Blu-Ray
on a JUMBO Screen.
SATURDAY – A DAY FOR CHILDREN and FAMILIES!
Saturday begins with our Dash for the Ruby Slipper 5K
Run/Walk. Yes, if you can’t run, you can still walk
From 11:00 – Noon, a montage of News Clips from 1989 to 2003
will be presented with short commentary. See the original Munchkins from the
Wizard of Oz, guests Lorna Luft, Mickey Rooney, June Allyson and more. You
might even see yourself! And in fascinating footage watch the Judy Garland
House being moved to its present location.
Saturday is a very special day because that’s the day the KIDS’
LAND OF OZ ACTIVITIES take place and it’s all FREE! The event begins at 11:00 a.m. and goes until 2:00 p.m.
There will be Oz characters to meet and take photos with! Carriage rides! Scavenger Hunts! Art
exploration on tables under tents! And a Tornado Tube! It will be loads of fun for everyone.
From 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. there will also be a FREE talk
by Oz expert John Fricke. ASK ANYTHING ABOUT THE WIZARD OF OZ is a great
talk for all ages! Your kids can find out what they want to know about the
beloved “Wizard of Oz” and you can too!
As a reminder, the Festival will close out with “A Tribute to Judy Garland” in the Judy
Garland Home. Songs will be sung and stories told. This event is nearly sold
out, so don’t delay in buying tickets.
In addition, if we sell tickets, “The
Gumms’ Farewell Party, 1926” – a living history, will be repeated.
Also, “The Wizard of
Oz – Youth Edition” with a large cast of children will be playing at the
Reif Center, Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday, June 17th at
2 p.m.
Best wishes and we hope to see you there!
