The Wizard Of Oz Club's National Convention - Beech Mtn NC - Aug, 5-7, 2011

Register now... see a listing of the events for the weekend at Beech Mountain/Banner Elk, North Carolina!

August 5-7, 2011: The International Wizard of Oz Club's National Oz Convention, Beech Mtn/Banner Elk, North Carolina. Co-chairmen Sean Barrett and Karen Owens welcome Oz fans to the Beech Mountain site of The Land of Oz Park for a weekend of fan-focused fun.

Join us for a weekend in the marvelous Land of Oz where you can...

Follow the Yellow Brick Road Saturday morning, encounteri...ng Oz characters along the way

Meet Munchkin Margaret Pellegrini on our Sunday program

See 18 Judy Garland gowns and other treasures from an extensive private collection of Michael Siewert

Meet artists Rick Ewigleben and Joe Shipbaugh with their fresh-from-the-press Oz coloring book

Bid for Oz treasures in the IWOC auction of collectibles, toys, books & ephemera

See Oz film projects, including a presentation by the production team behind “L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”
Programs and displays include Oz jewelry, Oz-theme cakes and parties, Oz in personal art and on public display, Oz home decor and much more.

The Land of Oz was North Carolina’s No. 1 tourist attraction throughout the 1970s. Today Dorothy’s house and the Yellow Brick Road remain, drawing loyal fans to one annual event and exclusive private parties. But we won’t just tour the grounds; our Friday evening program first celebrates the park with past cast and crew members, including Lori Hafer, the original voice of Dorothy. Stories, songs, pictures and costumes will set the stage for our own Saturday morning on-site Oz adventure -- including lunch and a stop at the Oz Museum where authentic MGM screen-used park artifacts are on display.

Meeting venues include both indoor and outdoor sites; private transportation is necessary. Group rates are available at the Alpen Inn and Top of the Beech; the Pinnacle and Best Western are additional local options. Watch for updates here and in the forums at http://www.ozclub.org/

Friday, August 5 at 3:00pm - August 7 at 4:00pm

Email Sean (SeanOz@aol.com), Karen (Storylandmi@aol.com) or Jane Albright (Ozisus@aol.com) with your program suggestions, ideas and offers to help.

Autumn At The "Land Of Oz" On Beech Mountain NC

The 15th Anniversary of "Autumn At Oz" will be held Saturday, October 4th and Sunday, October 5th, 2008 from 10:00 to 5:00 pm on Beech Mountain NC. Once a year, visitors have the privilege of going back in time to visit the Emerald City again. WE'RE OFF to see the WIZARD - bring your ruby slippers!!

This magical theme park was open from 1970 to 1980, after that much of the park was destroyed by vandals and neglect. In the 1990s - most of the park was restored and now only opens the first weekend each year in October.


You will find Dorothy, Aunt Em, Uncle Henry and their farm. You might even see the Wicked Witch and the Cowardly Lion. Visitors can park in the meadows across from the Beech Mountain Town Hall and walk, or catch the bus, up to the private garden of OZ. The walk is approximately 1 gentle, uphill mile. Catch up with Dorothy and friends along the Yellow Brick Road.


The tour takes from 1 1/2 to 2 hours, and may be taken any time between 10 am and 5 pm. Strollers and wheelchairs will need to be parked. There will be a mini-museum to visit and artifacts to share. Peter McTavish will provide Magic Shows 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.


THE very special Oz guests of honor are still a mystery but will be ??? from the 1939 movie. Everyone is encouraged to wear something "Ozzie" and bring their photos and treasures to add to the event. Remember the top of Beech Mtn is 5506 ft elevation so bring a jacket!!


A special invitation is extended 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. A limited number of advance tickets are available at the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce, . 800-468-5506.


Links about the once famous - Land of Oz on Beech Mtn, North Carolina


http://www.emeraldmtn.com/LandofOz/oz.htm


Wikipedia's definition of Oz Park

Roadside America Reviews of Oz

If you make the trip to Beech - be sure and visit Freds General Store and have some delicious pizza at the Brick Oven Pizza

Need a luxury vacation home rental on Beech Mountain ? Visit Oz or plan a ski trip to SkiBeech. Relax in the huge hot tub, enjoy the outdoor decks, stay in touch with WiFi and lots more.