Oz-Stravaganza's EMERALD CITY IDOL 2010 was a success!  Last night (Sunday, June 13th) a total of 25 talented finalists sang for our three judges in front of a full house at Chittenango High School. The judges for the evening were Kristie Grant- a well-known director/choreographer/actor from the Syracuse theatre scene, DeafGeoff- Producer of "Marty and Shannon in the Morning" on HOT107.9, and Julie MacConnell- the Director of Interactive Marketing & Communications for Clear Channel Radio Syracuse. By the end of the energized evening a 1st ($300), 2nd ($200), and 3rd ($100) place were awarded in each of the three age groups.

First Age Group (Ages 6-11)
1st place: Sara Goodwin (Baldwinsville, NY) - Sang "Bless the Broken Road" by Rascal Flatts
2nd place: Alexiss Garm (Kirkville, NY) - Sang "So Small" by Carrie Underwood
3rd place: Allyson DeCroce (Manlius, NY) - Sang "Popular" from Wicked the musical

Second Age Group (Ages 12-16)
1st place: Troy O'Brien (Potsdam, NY) - Sang "Hallelujah" by Alexandra Burke
2nd place: Julia Goodwin (Baldwinsville, NY) - Sang "At Last" by Etta James
3rd place: Kim March (Munnsville, NY) - Sang "Black Horse and a Cherry Tree" by KT Tunstall

Third Age Group (Ages 17 & Up)
1st place: Corie Manzi (North Syracuse, NY) - Sang "Defying Gravity" from Wicked the musical
2nd place: Alexis Jasek (Chittenango, NY) - Sang "Put Your Records On" by Corinne Bailey Rae
3rd place: Shane Reed (Oneida, NY) - Sang "Hallelujah" by Alexandra Burke
 
 
"Emerald City Idol" Finals have been Re-scheduled for Sunday June 13th at Chittenango High School.
The finals for the "Emerald City Idol" singing competition which were cancelled due to the severve storm that ripped through Oz-Stravaganza! Park last Sunday have been re-scheduled for Sunday June 13th at 6:00 pm in the auditorium at Chittenango High School, 150 Genesee St, Chittenango.
The finals consists of 25 talented singers performing in 3 age groups, ages 6 through adult. The finalists are competing for $1,800.00 in prize money. The event is free to the public. For further information contact: ECidol@gmail.com, marc@oz-stravaganza, 430-0765, or 415-8546.
 
 
Who invited the tornado to Oz-Stravaganza?  Not to mention it was 18 hours late for the costume contest.  Thankfully no one was hurt, but the Sunday Oz events were toned down and many vendors had a lot to pick up.  Saturday was outstanding however, and the parade was great as always.  Here are some great pictures of that parade with many more after the jump!
 
 
Picture
Many years ago, Madison County Tourism produced a travel guide themed "From Antiques to Oz".  That theme sums up this weekend's events in Madison County.  Oz-Stravaganza! has already began and the antique dealers are setting up their tents as I write this in Bouckville.  So without further ado, here are your best bets for a fun weekend n Madison County:
1. Oz-Stravaganza!--It's the annual celebration of all things Wizard of Oz in Chittenango.  It starts this afternoon and runs right through Sunday evening.  The parade is set for 2pm on Saturday and if you are coming for the costume contest, registration begins at 12:15.
2. Spring Antique Show -- Everyone knows the Madison Bouckville Summer Antique Show that happens in August every year.  This weekend marks the spring show in Madison and Bouckville.  There are many deals to be found and smaller crowds than in August.  Check it out tomorrow and Sunday.
3. Saturday is National Trails Day and the local chapter of the North Country Trail Association will celebrate it at Stone Quarry Art Park tomorrow.  Convene at the hilltop area adjacent to the Stone Quarry Art Park Admin Building by 10am. You will be able to explore one of the Art Park Trails of your choice, tour the exhibit hall, learn about the many attractions offered by the Art Park, and check out the NCT/Link Trail segment within the park. At noon, reassemble at the picnic table area immediately adjacent to the Admin Building for refreshments.
4. For the 10th time, the DeRuyter Ruritan will be sponsoring an Antique Auto and Engine Show with gas engine demos, antique tractor parade and demos, a chicken bbq, and music highlight the afternoon of family fun. Cars will be judged in 12 classes and there will be vendors with crafts and a flea market.
5. On Sunday, June 6 the public is invited to join the fun and reminisce about “Milk Cow Memories,” a dairy history day and old fashioned family picnic. It will be held at The Smithfield Community Center, 5255Pleasnt Valley Road in Peterboro, NY beginning at noon and ending at 4 PM. Guests are asked to bring a dish-to-pass, along with scrapbooks, pictures, and antiques pertaining to the rich history of dairy farming in Central New York. In particular, we’re looking for Holstein enthusiasts and people who’ve devoted their lives to dairy farming.
 
 
The special guests are arriving, the rides are set up, the Village is looking Ozzy and it is time for the 32nd Oz-Stravaganza! to begin in Chittenango to honor native son L. Frank Baum. Running June 4th - 6th there are a multitude of events to please Oz fans of all ages wether you are a fan of the Oz books, movie or both. A complete schedule of events can be found  and downloaded at: www.oz-stravaganza.com.

The grand Oz parade kicks off at 2:00 pm on Saturday June 5th on Route 5 / Genesee Street featuring bands, Ozzy floats, marching units, animals, Munchkins, Baum family members, Oz characters and more. Jane Lahr and Maya Gottfried, daughter and granddaughter of Bert Lahr, The Cowardly Lion have been named as grand marshals of the parade which is themed "The Emerald City of Oz" for Baum's book by the same title that was released in 1910.
The weekend features three silent auctions offering many rare and one of a kind Oz items for the serious Oz collector including many items autographed by the Munchkins, unique Oz art by a variety of artists, "Memories of a Munchkin signed" by Meinhardt Raabe, a sterling silver hot air balloon necklace with a 1/4 carrat
emerald basket, professionally framed autographed prints of 1939 Oz ads, a copy of Mimi Kennedy's play "Waking Matilda" signed by Mimi just to name a few. There are also many exciting non Oz items including celebrity autographs, two sets of left handed golf clubs, gift certificates for golf, movies, restaurants and lodging and much more.
Also for auction are tickets to the professional golf tournament at Atunyote golf course in August. Registration for the Munchkin Mile Kid's Fun Run takes place at the Chittenango Fire Station at 10:00 am and registration for costume judging is at Stickles Park at 12:15 pm both on Saturday.
There is still time to make reservations for hot air balloon lift offs from the Land of Oz, for reservation call 315-495-6544. 
Other events that are free include a fantastic fireworks display Friday at 9:30 pm at Community Recognition Park, and Oz programs in the auditorium at Chittenango High School Friday and Saturday evenings.

Free parking is available all day Saturday and Sunday at Chittenango High School and Community Recognition Park with a continuous free shuttle operating both days. Oz-Stravaganza! questions can be directed to 415-8546 or 430-0765.
 
 
Picture
With Oz-Stravaganza! just a few days away we have more updates on what is going on this weekend in Chittenango.  Here is an update on what is happening at the schools:
Most of the events of the 32nd annual Oz-Stravaganza! being held June 4th - 6th are held in Oz-Stravaganza! / Dr. West Park, however there are several important happenings at Chittenango High School beginning with the Spaghetti dinner with the Munchkins hosted by the Wm. Cain American Legion from 4:00 pm to 7:00pm Friday June 4th.  During the dinner Munchkins, Jerry Maren, Margaret Pellegrini and Karl Slover and other guests of Oz-Stravaganza! will hold an autograph session. The United States Postal Service will  be available from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm with one of two special Oz cancellations with the second cancellation available Saturday. Also available Friday evening during the dinner are Oz souvenirs, Oz artwork,  Oz books by the authors of Author's Alley and the first "Wizard's Wonderful Silent Auction" of the weekend. At 7:00 pm is a free Oz program in the auditorium hosted by John Fricke featuring the Munchkins, Judy Garland's movie stand in Caren Marsh-Doll, and L. Frank Baum's great grandson, Bob Baum and his wife Clare. There will also be a special tribute to Meinhardt Raabe, the Munchkin Cororner. Following the program plan to attend the fireworks in Community Recognition Park.

Events at the high school begin at 6:15 pm Saturday evening with an awards ceremony for the winners of the second annual "Royal Historian of Oz" writing contest, followed by Grand Marshals Jane Lahr and Maya Gottfried with memories of Bert Lahr, The Cowardly Lion, the centennial of "The Emerald City of Oz" and remembering Cynthia Baum Tassini. The evening will conclude with The Wizard of Oz in ballet. The Saturday evening event is free.

The complete Oz-Stravaganza! shedule of events and details about the free shuttle and free parking are available at: www.oz-stravaganza.com
 
 
Picture
The 32nd annual Oz-Stravaganza! themed "The Emerald City of Oz" in
honor of the 6th book in L. Frank Baum's Oz series by the same name
will be held June 4th - 6th in downtown Chittenango. Grand Marshals for the Oz parade which kicks off at 2 pm Saturday June 5th are Jane Lahr and Maya Gottfried, daughter and grand daughter of Bert Lahr the
Cowardly Lion in the 1939 classic film "The Wizard of Oz".
Special guests for the weekend are three of the original Munchkins from
the movie who will be available for autographs throughout the weekend. Those attending are Margaret Pellegrini, Karl Slover and Jerry Maren.  Also attending are Oz historian and author, John Fricke, Baum's great grandson Bob Baum and his wife Clare, Judy Garland's movie stand-in,Caren Marsh-Dollm and Munchkin by marraige, Myrna Swensen wife of the late Clarence Swensen.

Amusement rides, a petting zoo, crafters, vendors, games, food, and
entertainment will be ongoing in Oz-Stravaganza!/Dr. West Park all
weekend. Glinda's Royal tent offers an Oz history display, Munchkin
autograph sessions, childrens fingerprinting, Authors Alley, and silent
auctions.

Friday and Saturday evenings there are free Ozzy programs in the
auditorium at Chittenango High School. Friday from 4 pm - 7 pm there is
a spaghetti dinner with the Munchkins also at the high school.

Friday at 9:30 pm there will be a fabulous fireworks display in
Community Recognition Park. The weekend also offers 5 hot air balloon
lift offs. The United states Postal Service will be offering special Oz
cancellations Friday and Saturday.

Childrens costume judging will take place prior to the prade in
Stickles Park and registration for the Munchkin Mile Kids Fun Fun
begins at the Chittenango Fire Station at 10 am Saturday with the race
beginning promptly at 11 am.

The finals of the "Emerald City Idol" singing competion will take place
from noon - 3 pm on Sunday June 6th in Oz-Stravaganza!/Dr. West Park.
Free parking is available at Chittenango High School and Community
Recognition Park with a free shuttle operating continually to and from
Oz-Stravaganza!/Dr.West Park and the downtown area.

Details for all Oz-Stravaganza! events can be found at www.oz-stravaganza.com. Questions may also be directed to 315 430 0765 or 315 415 8546

 
 
Oz-Stravaganza! 2010 is just a week away and some of the special guests
are still in need of sponsorship including Munchkins Margaret
Pellegrini and Karl Slover and Judy Garland's movie stand in Caren
Marsh-Doll. Full sponsorship entiles sponsors to private time with
their guest, the option of driving your guest in the parade and more.
Partial sponsorships are available. Getting to know these actors from
the 1939 movie, "The Wizard of Oz" is a priceless experience. For
sponsorship details please call Colleen Zimmer at 315 415 8546.
Complete Oz-Stravaganza! detail and guest bios can be found by visiting
www.oz-stravaganza.com.

 
Oz Updates 05/26/2010
 
We are a little more than a week out from the annual Oz-Stravaganza in Chittenango and the updates are coming fast and furious.
Munchkin Fun Run Set:
The 4th annual Oz-Stravaganza! Munchkin Mile Kids Fun Run will be held
Saturday June 5th at 11:00 am starting at the Chittenango Fire Station.
Registration begins at 10:00 am. The race is for children age 12 and
younger. The race fee is $8.00 and the first 100 resistrants will
receive a free tshirt and a free amusement ride ticket. Water will be
provided. Applications can be downloaded at www.oz-stravaganza.com or you can register before the race. Questions shou;d be directed to Tammy at: 315-687-7115. The run is sponsored by the Chittenango Police
Benevolent Association.

Two Named Parade Grand Marshals
The 32nd annual Oz-Stravaganza! to honor Chittenango's native son L.
Frank Baum, author of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" will be held June
4th - 6th.
The Oz-Stravaganza! Committee is proud to announce Jane Lahr and Maya Gottfried as the 2010 Grand Marshals. Lahr is the daughter and
Gottfried the grand daughter of Bert Lahr, the Cowardly Lion. They will
take part in a variety of events throughout Oz weekend including the Oz parade which kicks off at 2 pm Saturday June 5th as well as the free
Saturday evening program at Chittenango High School. A complete
schedule of Oz-Stravaganza! events is available at:
www.oz-stravaganza.com.  Oz-Stravaganza! questions may be directed to 315 430 0765 or 315 415 8546.
 
 
Auditions for the 3rd Annual Emerald City Idol Singing Competition, which is part of the 32nd annual Oz-Stravaganza!  will be held Saturday
May 29th from 11am - 6pm at Chittenango High School, 150 Genesee St,
Chittenango. The contest is open to singers ages 6 through adult. Cash
prizes will be awarded in 3 age groups. Finalists will perform on the
stage in Oz-Stravaganza!/Dr. West Park from noon - 3pm on Sunday June
6th. Full details can be found at:
www.oz-stravaganza.com. Questions can be directed to ECidol@gmail.com  or Marc@oz-stravaganza.com. Call 315-415-8546 for Oz-Stravaganza! information.