Things to do, places to eat, shows to see, places to stay in Madison County, NY      

Another Oz-stravaganza has come and gone and this year's was one of the best ever.  Reviews of the weekend were very good and people we spoke with had a great time.  The Post Standard in Syracuse has a few wrap ups including this great interviewwith Munchkin Margaret Pelligrini.  They also have a photo gallery of the weekends events.  Send us your comments and photos from your weekend in Oz. 

Is it true?  June actually starts on Sunday?  I don't know about you but the months keep blowing by way too quick.  This weekend take some time to slow things down and spend your weekend at one of Madison County's great events.  From the celebration of all things Oz to a growing selection of fresh produce at local farmer's markets you will have a hard time fitting it all in this weekend.  Here are this weekends best bets for fun in Central New York:
#1 Oz-travaganza  kicks off Friday evening and runs through Sunday in Chittenango, the birthplace of L. Frank Baum author of " The Wonderful Wizard of Oz". Four munchkins from the 1939 classic film " The Wizard of Oz" are in town: Margaret Pellegrini, Jerry Maren, Karl Slover, and Clarence Swensen. Judy Garland's movie stand in Caren Marsh-Doll will be attending for her first visit to Chittenango. The parade will be held Saturday May 31st at 3:00pm.
#2 John Rossbach & Chestnut Grove- Bluegrass Saturday night at 8pm John Rossbach & Chestnut Grove take to the Earlville Opera House stage.   Chestnut Grove plays the finest in traditional bluegrass music. These versatile singers and award-winning multi-instrumentalists always deliver a high-energy show that is fun for the entire family!
#3 Farmer's Markets in Cazenovia and Hamilton.  All day Saturday find plans, produce, crafts, meats and more at the best farmers markets in the area.
#4 Watercolor Show at the Stone Quarry Hill Art Park The Signature Members of the Central New York Watercolor Society are pleased to have the opportunity to display their work at the Stone Quarry Hill Art Park. Members come from all over upstate New York with a few members from Vermont and Pennsylvania. The works on exhibit will be available for purchase. There are 15 artists represented with over 25 paintings in the show.

The final plans are coming together and Chittenango is getting ready to be transformed into the Emerald City for the 30th annual Oz-Stravaganza May 30-June 1st.  The annual event, held just 25 minutes from downtown Syracuse, celebrates the life of Chittenango native and author of the Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum.

The event attracts visitors from around the globe as they return to see four of the original munchkins from the 1939 movie and to celebrate everything OZ.  The highlight of the festival remains the parade which will kick off at 3pm on May 31st.  Slip on your ruby slippers, oil up the tin man and march along the route with eight bands, Ozzy floats, Munchkins, animals, "Oz" characters and more. Baum's great grandson Bob Baum and his wife Clare will be grand marshals.

Of course leaving the Emerald City five times during the festival will be hot-air balloons from Airborne Adventures in Munnsville.  Reservations are necessary for hot air balloon lift offs and can be made by calling 315 495 6544.  Other hot-air themed activities including balloon walks will take place all weekend long.

Four Munchkins from the "Wizard of Oz" will attend and be available for autographs, including Margaret Pellegrini, Clarence Swensen, Karl Slover, and Jerry Maren. Caren Marsh-Doll, Judy Garland's movie stand-in will attend for the first time and she will be selling her book "Hollywood's Babe-Dancing Through Oz". Oz historian and author John Fricke will be returning by popular demand to emcee the weekend. 

There will be plenty of parking available and a free shuttle will run continuously throughout the downtown area from 10am-6pm Saturday and 10am-5pm Sunday. 

New this year is three exciting events.  There will be two silent auctions one from 2pm-5pm Saturday and the other from 11:30am-2:30pm Sunday offering Oz, celebrity and sports memorabilia, signed photos and books, Chittenango Pottery, gift certificates, Syracuse Symphony tickets and so much more.  The second new event is the "Emerald City Idol: singing competition on Sunday at noon, to enter www.emeraldcityidol.com. 

The third new event will be a grand finale on Sunday at 3pm join us as we say goodbye and pay tribute to our special guests of Oz.

Amusement rides will run from 5pm-11pm Friday, 10am-11pm Saturday and noon-5pm Sunday. The weekend includes a craft fair, souvenirs, entertainment, "The Wild" which is a petting zoo, children’s "safety" and "hands on" activities, a wide variety of food, and more.  For a complete schedule of activities visit www.chittenango.org.

Why not make it a complete weekend away and spend the night in Madison County.  Great rooms with great rates are still available at places like Graziano’s World Famous Inn and Greyrock Farm B&B.  For more information on where to stay, what to do and where to eat visit www.madisontourism.com or call 800-684-7320 for a free travel planner.

Residents and volunteers from Chittenango are plowing full steam ahead with plans for the annual Oz-stravaganza in Chittenango. This year's festival is May 30th-June 1st.  The annual festival celebrates everything Oz and this year's event should be bigger and better than ever.  Four munchkins from the 1939 classic film " The Wizard of Oz" have confirmed their attendance for this year: Margaret Pellegrini, Jerry Maren, Karl Slover, and Clarence Swensen. Judy Garland's movie stand in Caren Marsh-Doll will be attending for her first visit to Chittenango. The parade will be held Saturday May 31st at 3:00pm. For information and a schedule of events: www.chittenango.org. Parade information: Barb Evans: 315 687 6250 Crafter/Vendor information: Colleen Zimmer: 315 687 5366

About a year ago, the getaway guy Mike O'Brian took time to visit Madison County and the Land of Oz or as the locals know it, Chittenango.  Here is his story.