February 2015 - Judy Garland - This Year's Wizard of Oz Festival

It’s been a surprisingly tough winter for many.  Here in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, with temperatures often below zero, we are dreaming of spring and summer.  So it’s time to get some news out about the 2015 Wizard of Oz Festival.

Although the Board of Directors has voted to keep the name of our annual festival “The Wizard of Oz Festival,” we want all the fans out there to know the event will continue to celebrate Judy Garland’s life and legacy. For 2015 we are planning some great Garland programs and we hope you will be pleased. 

Please note, this schedule is not fully set yet, but here are a few special events planned for the June 11^th – 13^th Festival.

JUDY AND CHUCK WALTERS! 

We are very excited to announce that Brent Phillips, author of the newly released book, CHARLES WALTERS: THE DIRECTOR WHO MADE HOLLYWOOD DANCE (University Press of Kentucky) will be present to speak about his new book.

Brent Phillips is a NYU film archivist/preservationist. Recently, he appeared on Turner Classic Movies for a weekly series on the films of Charles Walters.  Phillips’ new book and the first-ever biography of Walters, celebrates Walters' dance numbers with Judy in PRESENTING LILY MARS and GIRL CRAZY; his musical staging for her in MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS and ZIEGFELD FOLLIES, and his guidance of EASTER PARADE and SUMMER STOCK.

This program will include a gloriously entertaining and in-depth review of Judy Garland's film, theater, and concert work with the Academy Award-nominated director and choreographer Charles "Chuck" Walters. In addition to film clips, Phillips' presentation will be highlighted by private and newsreel silent footage of two of the stage acts he directed for Judy in 1951 and 1958. The program will be moderated by John Fricke. This will be a truly special program.

JUDY -- IN CONCERT!

John Fricke shares rare, silent home movies and previously unheard audio of Judy's concert years -- from 1951 to 1969. Much of the silent film that exists of Judy during her stage appearances only has been seen in brief excerpts in documentaries. Here is an unprecedented chance to see unedited footage from Judy's shows at The Palace (1951 and 1967); on her Carnegie Hall tour (1961); during her 1967 engagements; in Las Vegas, Chicago, Melbourne, and elsewhere. During the same presentation, you'll also hear private concert, TV, and radio recordings, never before publicly shared. It's an unparalleled opportunity for fans of "Miss Show Business" to see her in splendid action -- and for those who only know "Dorothy" of THE WIZARD OF OZ to see and hear how she grew up to be "the world's greatest entertainer."

FUN FACTS ABOUT OZ by John Fricke

A short 45 minute talk that persons of all ages will enjoy. This event will take place just before the opening of the OZ Fair at the museum and will take place in the Art Room. We believe film clips will be shown with this presentation as well.

A SPECIAL "OZZY" DUO PRESENTATION!

       

Act One:  THE OZ THAT ALMOST "WOZ"!

Oz historian and author John Fricke presents a fascinating look at the actors and actresses who ALMOST made it "over the rainbow" back in 1938. See vintage film footage of the performers whose work led them to be among the first to be considered for the roles of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, the Cowardly Lion, the Wizard, Glinda, and the Wicked Witch of the West in MGM's THE WIZARD OF OZ! It's an outstanding combination of entertainment and entertainment history ...and the opportunity to imagine how OZ might have fared in other hands (and faces and voices).

       

Act Two:  AWAY FROM THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD!

Fricke continues the legendary back-story of THE WIZARD OF OZ with film clips of the stars of MGM's motion picture in some of their other, classic movie appearances. It's all about song, dance, and comedy -- with Garland, Bolger, Haley, Lahr, Morgan, Burke, and Hamilton in different roles, guises, and costumes...but with the same God-given talents and Ozzy magic!

John Fricke presents - REMEMBERING JUDY

Hear heartfelt recollections of Judy Garland from those who knew and loved her, ranging from the Gumm Family au pair in Grand Rapids in the mid-1920s, through those who appeared with her at MGM, and including her musical compatriots and coworkers during her concert and television careers. These rare video interview excerpts were a highlight of the Grand Rapids festival more than a decade ago, and they haven't been shared or presented since then! Enjoy June Allyson, Ann Miller, Alan King, Eddie Bracken, Robert Stack, Margaret Whiting, Hugh Martin, Mort Lindsey, Norman Jewison and many others

There are several other potential surprises on the horizon, so please stay tuned!

Other Wizard of Oz Festival Events will include:

-     *  Judy Jeopardy

-      * Wizard of Oz Jeopardy

-      *  Indoor and Outdoor OZ FAIR with Games, Glitter Tattoos, Cake Walk and the    Gale Family Petting Zoo - all on FRIDAY

-     *  Gift Shop Appearance/book signing by Amanda Michelle Moon,  author of the fictional work: “Stealing the Ruby Slippers”

-      * A Wizard of OZ Character Costume Contest with on camera Interviews shown on big screen

-     *  Friday Evening Themed  BBQ Picnic

-     *  OZ Dance Party and Karaoke on Evergreen Terrace Lawn

-      * Friday Evening outdoor screening of The Wizard of Oz on a Jumbo screen

-      * Saturday Red Shoe Walk led by Scarecrow at Old Central School House

-      * Old Central School House – Emerald City Fest – Horse & Carriage Rides, Face Painting, Hair braiding, Glinda’s Bubbles, Games etc. - all on SATURDAY

Please Note:  This April, the Reif Center will be closing down for a year of renovations. Because of this, it has been decided to skip the talent show this year.'

NEW JUDY GARLAND Book in Gift Shop

Always for Judy by Joan Beck Coulson

This year a lovely new book was published about Judy Garland, “Always for Judy” by Joan Beck Coulson. There have been many books about Judy, her talent and her life, but this one is special on a few accounts. For one, Joan not only saw Judy perform onstage several times, she met her as well.

In addition, Joan Beck Coulson has taken a new approach to viewing Garland’s life. Under the premise used in documentary film maker, Michael Apted’s documentary film series, Seven Up, Joan follows the theory used - the Jesuit saying: “Give me the child until he is seven, and I will show you the man.” Joan examines the events of Garland’s early years as Frances Gumm, up to the age of seven, and then traces how these first seven years affected her entire life. The result is quite revealing!

Most books about Judy Garland’s personal life lead us into the personal details and rumors as curious strangers. However, using her experience as a social scientist in anthropology and even more so as a woman and mother of two performing children, Joan takes us into the heart of Judy. Through her book we view the feelings of this remarkable woman and learn some great things about her. "Always for Judy" is a book worth reading. Autographed copies are now available in the museum gift shop.

Easter at the Children’s Discovery Museum

On Saturday, March 28^th from 9:00 – 11:00 am there will be an Easter Party at the Children’s Discovery Museum. This party is for Members only. The party will include crafts, as well as an Easter Egg Hunt for younger children and another hunt for older children. More information, please call the Museum:  (218) 326-1900.

New Museum Rates

This year, in keeping with costs, the museum has raised its rates. Please note the following:

General Admission:  $9.00

General Admission with AAA: $8.00

Youth Membership: $28.00 – 2 Years: $50.00

Adult Membership: $38.00 - 2 Years: $70.00

Family Membership: $48.00 – 2 Years: $ 90.00

Grandparent Membership: $58.00 - 2 Years: $110.00

Membership includes free admission to the museum, Birthday Party discounts, and 10% discount on all Gift Shop purchases.

So long until March when we will release more information 

about the June Festival!

Visit us on Facebook

 and our website: http://www.judygarlandmuseum.com

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

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