We’re Not in Kansas Anymore:

Top Row, Left to Right: Thousands crowded the parade route Saturday when dozens of parade entries carried costumed characters and Wizard of Oz film participants. Many along the route dressed as their favorite character from the film. At top left, the visiting Munchkins wave to the crowd. Left to right are Meinhardt Raabe, Myrna Maren, Jerry Maren, unidentified Oz Fest volunteer and Anna Mitchell. (Photo by Dana Gilbertson)

--The Mom’s Club of Duneland prompted some giggles along the parde route with their signs proclaiming “A Two Foot Tornado Hit My House.” Robyn Niedwiedz and her son Bradley, 2, wave to parade watchers, while Andrew Roth, 4, disguised as the Wicked Witch, sits beside Lisa Wielgoz.(Tribune photo by Wendy Marciniak)

--The official costumed characters wave to the crowd along the Oz Fantasy parade route Saturday. With fine, sunny weather, the parade drew thousands.

--The festival drew huge crowds as Oz fans enjoyed a picture perfect day.

--Brianna Hoover, 7, of Chesterton, had a realistic Toto in her dog Shelby.

Center Row: Haley Goodman, 3, and her sister Jessica, 8, both dressed as Dorothy, accompanied their mom, Cindy Lawson as the Tin Man.

--Jesse Alderson, 6, had no fear of Wicked Witch Cheryl Lagestee.

--Kristen Licari, 6, of Rockford, Illinois dressed as Glinda the Good Witch while Taylor Seidell, 4, of Beloit, Wisconsin was Dorothy along the parade route.

--Kristen Tripp, of Michigan City, holds Katherine, 6 months, possibly the youngest lion along the parade route.

--Breanna White, 9, of Chesterton, displayed her patriotism for all as she watched the parade.

Bottom Row:

--Liberty Recreation Babe Ruth Softball All-Stars, with flags waving, showed their team spirit in the parade.

--Three Town Criers strike a pose. Left to right are Bruce Bedell, Marcell Bosse and Derek Tidd. Not pictured is 2002 Wizard of Oz Festival Champion Town Crier Tom Jones. Reading from a scroll in front of a caricature of festival sponsor John Evans is Crier Derek Tidd. All the criers are from Ontario, Canada.

--There's no place like home: Final two photos show the Chesterton Tribune hometown newspaper float.

Though rain slowed the opening of the festival Sunday, the sun came out and allowed for more Oz fantasy and fun.                                                                (Tribune photos by Dana Gilbertson and Wendy Marciniak)

Posted 9/23/2002