Everything You Need to Know about the Midwest Wizard of Oz Fest

It’s finally here!

Southland fans of the Wizard of Oz have been waiting patiently for a fest that pays homage to the 1939 classic film, and now they’ll find the Yellow Brick Road in their own back yard.

The inaugural event opens at noon on Friday at Odyssey Fun Farm and will take place (rain or shine) through Sunday. The show features a “Wizard of Oz”-themed Corn Maze, a Yellow Brick Road with different themes from the movie, memorabilia vendors, the Spirit of Oz troupe of “Wizard of Oz” characters, and guest speakers.

On Saturday, they’ll even try to break a Guinness World Record of largest gathering of people dressed as ”Wizard of Oz” characters. (The record stands at 1,093, in case you were wondering). To participate, visitors must be in costume full and recognizable as a character from the original story.

Oz visitors will hear from Mary Ellen St. Aubin, wife of Parnell, who played a Munchkin in the original film. Roger S. Baum, great-grandson to the original ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ author L. Frank Baum will also share with the crowd.

Other attractions will include children and adult costume contests, an Auntie Em pie-eating contest, a zip line, and a Dorothy Gale farm area with a petting zoo, pony rides, hayrides and a cow train.

Midwest Wizard of Oz Fest

When: noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 11, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 12 and 13

Where: Odyssey Fun Farm, 18800 Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park. (The festival will be located across the street, on the intersection of Oak Park Ave. on Prosperi Dr.)

Tickets: $9 per day, $23 for a three-day festival pass, free for ages 1 and younger

Information: Call 708-429-3800 or visit midwestozfest.com

What Your Ticket Buys You

The admission price includes all attractions, events, and contests. The only separate costs are the zipline, pony rides, and whatever you choose to purchase from vendors and concessions.

What’s In Store

FRIDAY, SEPT. 11

• 12:30 p.m. Spirit Of Oz Characters Perform
• 1 p.m. John Fricke: “The Wizard Of Oz!”
• 2 p.m. Ryan Jay: “Many Roads To Oz!”
• 3 p.m. Roger Baum: “The Royal Historian Of Oz!”
• 4 p.m. Mary Ellen St. Aubin: “First Lady of Munchkinland!”
• 5:45 p.m. Spirit Of Oz Characters Perform
• 6 p.m. Festival closes for day

SATURDAY, SEPT. 12

• 10 a.m. Gates Open
• 10:30 a.m. Spirit Of Oz Characters Perform
• 11 a.m. John Fricke: “The Wizard Of Oz!”
• 1 p.m. Ryan Jay: “Many Roads To Oz!”
• 2 p.m. Roger Baum: “The Royal Historian Of Oz!”
• 3 p.m. Guinness World Record Gathering
• 4:30 p.m. Auntie Em’s Pie Eating Contest
• 5 p.m. Mary Ellen St. Aubin: “First Lady of Munchkinland!”
• 5:45 p.m. Spirit Of Oz Characters Perform
• 6 p.m. Festival Closes

SUNDAY, SEPT. 13

• 10 a.m. Gates Open
• 10:30 a.m. Spirit Of Oz Characters Perform
• 11 a.m. John Fricke: “The Wizard Of Oz!”
• 1 p.m. Mr. D’s Spectacular Magic Show
• 2 p.m. Ryan Jay: “Many Roads To Oz!”
• 3 p.m. Auntie Em’s Pie Eating Contest
• 3:30 p.m. School Coloring Contest Winner Announced
• 4 p.m. Roger Baum: “The Royal Historian Of Oz!”
• 5 p.m. Mary Ellen St. Aubin: “First Lady of Munchkinland!”
• 5:30 p.m. Spirit Of Oz Characters Perform
• 6 p.m. Festival Closes