Judy Garland Letter from Home - Wizard of Oz Festival, Part 2

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

Jerry and Liz Maren

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.

MORE SHOWS ADDED TO THE LIVING HISTORY PROGRAM

As of yesterday, “The Gumms’ Farewell Party, 1926” Thursday, June 14^th 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 14^th, 5:00 P.M.

Saturday, June 16^th, 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 15^th, 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 15^th, 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,

including two premieres of “I Could Go on Singing,” the film we will be showing later that night. To make your experience of the film complete, don’t miss this event. John Fricke’s knowledge and insight into Judy Garland’s career, as well as her person, always makes his talks entertaining and moving. Tickets are $10.00.

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

. Bring your children, or yourself, dressed in a Wizard of Oz Costume and you might win a prize. Sign-up is 7:30 a.m. The race begins at 8:30. For further information, please check our site or call the Museum.

http://www.judygarlandmuseum.com    Phone: 218-327-9276

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 17^th at 2 p.m.

Best wishes and we hope to see you there!