December 29th is Clarence Swensen Day in Chittenango. Clarence was a Munchkin Soldier in the 1939 MGM movie, “The Wizard of Oz”, and a beloved visitor to Chittenango for almost twenty years. Swensen passed away in early 2009.  His birthday was chosen by the Village as the day in which to honor his memory in a Proclamation read at Oz-Stravaganza! 2009.  Proclamations were read by Mayor Goeler, Assemblyman McGee, and Senator Valesky to Swensen’s family during the event’s Grand Finale.
As a way for the people of Chittenango to honor and remember Swensen, the Oz-Stravaganza! Committee, in conjunction with The Sullivan Free Library, is having a reception and showing of “The Terror of Tiny Town”, Tuesday, December 29, 2009.
The world’s first (and only) all midget musical western, 1938’s “The Terror of Tiny Town” is a classic.  Swensen played several parts in the movie.  “In one scene, I’m chasing myself.”  Swensen once recalled. “I’m the stagecoach driver and the bad guy”.   
Other actors from “The Wizard of Oz” included in the movie are Fern Formica, aka Jeannette Fern, who attended Chittenango’s Oz parade for several years, and Karl Slover, Munchkin Trumpeter, who portrayed Sammy The Barber.
A free and open to the public reception in honor of Clarence begins at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 29 in the Community Room of the Sullivan Free Library.  Refreshments will be served and memories of Clarence shared prior to the movie.  The movie will begin promptly at 6:00 pm and includes popcorn. The movie is especially enjoyable for families with children ages 10 and up.  For further information, call Colleen at 415-8546 or Barb at 430-0765.
 


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