I've been to the "Land of Oz Park" Reunion Day for the last few years
and yes the "Emerald City Doormans" coat, used in the 1939 MGM movie, "The
Wizard of Oz" is on display at The Land of Oz Theme Park in Beech
Mountain, NC and it's true that the park is only open to the public on
the first Saturday of October. This year it's Saturday October 2,1999 from
10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M
They do have many PIECES of munchkin costumes on display, and some very
interesting red and white striped socks, (could these be the dead witches
that were under the house). Also the curator informed me that this one
long legged tall ornate chair that was on display was used in the witches
castle. I have all this and more on video.
If they get another good turn-out with this year, they will continue
this yearly reunion event.... that is if the vandalism and brick
stealing is stopped, or at least kept to a minimum.
This year they are also having thier Octoberfest on the mountain the
same weekend so it will be double the usual activities!! :)
They charge $5.00 per person for the whole day, but you want to bring
extra cash ! They have Oz collectable Concession stands with Oz collectables
old and new from the park, the MGM movie and Books. Not to mention food
and beverage stands with great outdoor home cooked autum fair. It's
like a big family picnic in Munchkinland, And if you want you can come
dressed in Oz costumes which is optional.
They usually get a Munchkin as Guest of Honor, who poses for photos
and signs autographs. The this year the Munchkin Coroner, Meinhardt Raabe,
is scheduled to appear.
They have music through out the park, the original theme park music,
as well as some MGM movie tunes, they have Uncle Henry's Barn (where the
memorobilia is displayed), Auntie Em's House, the Tornado, and of course
the yellow brick road, and you can only guess who you meet along the way.
It's definately an OZZY TIME with "JOLLY GOOD FUN"
After expenses, the proceeds go toward refirbishing and renovating the
park. I had noticed the last two trips their that they had done several
things each time.....
Well, I hope that this has piqued some interest and that I will see
you all there on the "other side of the rainbow" on Saturday october 2,
1999. I've heard several people say it's too close to the date of the "Chesterton
Festival" (WHINERS!) but you know what, that Chesterton Festival is doing
fine financially and has a good turn out with thousands and thousands of
people and will be going strong for years to come.......this is THE ORGINAL
"Land Of Oz Theme Park" and it could really use OUR OZZY support and attendance!!!!
So please seriously consider this family fun filled day......(They are
trying to get it declared as an Historical Site)
I found this cool web site for Emerald Moutain Reality that has a page
for "The Land of Oz Park" and it talks about the yearly reunion and the
history to date on the park and has a few photos.
The sites are :
http://www.emeraldmtn.com/oz.htm
http://www.beechmtn.com/events.htm
http://www.emeraldmtn.com/
Also for Nice Accomadations that are Reasonable Priced across the street
from the Parks Drive is the "Pinnacle Inn". There Number is 1-800-438-2097.
I've stayed there 3 times and could not ask for a nicer place. They
also have a web site at :
http://www.PinnacleInn.com/summer.html
Hope to See you all Over the Rainbow!!
Robbie
P.S. If anyone is interested they have a very nice "Land of Oz" Display
Room with original memorbila from the Park in it's hey day at the
Cultural Museum in Boone, just 30 minutes from Banner Elk where the park
is located. I have this on video too, it's cool so DON'T forget your camera.
Submitted by Ruby Slipper Fan Club Member, Robbie
Sipes - Thanks Robbie! :) |
