August is the month to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the classic film, The Wizard of Oz. The story is perhaps Kansas’ most famous icon. It premiered on the big screen on August 12, 1939 in Wisconsin, and was aired three days later at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. The New York City premiere at Loew’s Capitol Theater on August 17 was followed by a live performance by Judy Garland and the film swept the nation on August 25th!
You can celebrate the 70th Birthday of this masterpiece with some local fun all month long! Visit The Best of Kansas City or The Kansas Sampler to stock up on Oz souvenirs ranging from Dorothy costumes to T-Shirts and Oz Monopoly Games. Take in a soccer game as you watch the story’s namesake, The Wizards. Or, enjoy one of these special events commemorating the 70th Anniversary this month!
- Enjoy the Classic film for FREE! We all love the movie and no one can sing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” like Judy Garland. This is your chance to enjoy it on the BIG SCREEN under the stars! Bring the lawn chairs and pack a picnic as you enjoy a FREE showing of the classic film at Crown Center. When: August 7, 9pm. Call 816.274.8444 for information.
- Watch the Musical Live on Stage! Live summer theater is always a treat and this year, Theatre in the Park (Shawnee Mission Park, Renner Rd. and Maple Fitch Dr.) is dazzling us once again with The Wizard of Oz. Don’t forget a bucket of chicken, blankets and chairs! Cost: $8/adults, $6/children (4-10). When: July 31-Aug. 2, Aug. 6-9, Box Office opens at 7pm, show starts at 8:30pm. Call 913.631.7050 for information.
- Great Family Campout: The Wizard of Oz. Enjoy a family campout at Shawnee Mission Park. You receive passes to Shawnee Mission Park Beach, pedal boat rental, and tickets to The Wizard of Oz at Theatre in the Park! As a bonus, you receive early admittance for premiere seating to see the show. Campers provide their own equipment (tents, sleeping bags, etc), but grills are available for use. Donuts, juice and milk are served Sunday morning. Cost: $15/adults, $10/children 4 and up. When: August 8, 2pm – August 9th, 10am. Call 913.831.3359 to register.
- Sing Along with the Munchkins! Children 5-10 are invited to sing with the Munchkins from the Merry Old Land of Oz! The kids will sing and dance along the yellow brick road for delightful memories and great photo ops for parents! Cost: $6/child. When: August 8, 10am. Call 913.831.3359 to register.
- Take a Road Trip to Wamego to visit the Oz Museum! In Wamego, Kansas (about 2 hours from KC), you’ll find the Oz Museum (511 Lincoln). The museum features the largest collection of Oz memorabilia in the world! Cost: $7/ages 13 and up, $4/ages 4-12, Free/3 and under. Call 1.866.458.TOTO. For information: www.wamego.org/oz_museum.htm