Autumn At Oz - Beech Mountain NC - October 3 & 4, 2009

Autum at Oz - Beech Mountain NC To be held Saturday, October 3rd and Sunday, October 4th, 2009 from 10:00 to 5:00 p.m.

When you arrive on Beech Mountain, you can park in the meadows across from the Beech Mountain Town Hall then walk, or catch the bus, up to the private garden of OZ. The walk is approximately 1 gentle, uphill mile.

Guests will take a tour of Aunt Em's and Uncle Henry's farm and meet Dorothy, Toto and friends along the Yellow Brick Road. While you wait for your bus, you will enjoy all the visitors decked out as Dorothy, TinMan, Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion, Glinda-The Good Witch or the Wicked Witch.. it is a blast!

The tour takes from 1 1/2 to 2 hours - or a little longer, depends on how long you linger in Emerald City. You can go anytime between 10 am and 5 pm but the buses generally run at 10am, 12noon and 2pm. * Strollers and wheelchairs will need to be parked.

There will be a mini-museum to visit and artifacts to share all about Oz. The bands are not yet determind but some will provide music, Peter McTavish will provide Magic Shows in between, and Genesis Wildlife Sanctuary will exhibit a small petting zoo, adding more fun at the Farm. There will be face painting, food treats, and special Oz concessions in "Kansas".

New and old trivia will be available for purchase, with part of the money going back into upkeep and restorations.Our very special guests of honor will be ??? from the 1939 movie. Everyone is encouraged to wear something "Ozzie" and bring their photos and treasures to add to the event.

A special invite is extended again to past employees of Carolina Caribbean and the Land of OZ. The price is $15.00, children under 3 free. We'll gladly take original yellow bricks or other park remains for trade.

Unfortunately, I never visited the Land of Oz as a child.....but last year I came to Autumn at Oz for the first time.. I was very impressed with the organization of the event, the costumes, the Ozzie characters and thoroughly enjoyed the entire day there.. The folks of Beech Mountain and everyone that participates in this event should be commended. Well Done ! Lord willing, I will be back this year..

A limited number of advance tickets are available at the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce, http://www.beechmtn.com/ . 800-468-5506.

Photos by C. Gilliam