After this year, the yellow brick road will not lead to Chesterton, but to Washington Township.

Lakeshore Festival and Events announced today that the Wizard of Oz Festival will move to the Porter County Expo Center beginning in 2006. This year will be the last year for the festival in downtown Chesterton, its home since the festival’s inception 24 years ago.

In a letter to the Chesterton Town Council dated today, LFE wrote: “The organizers and volunteers of the Chesterton Wizard of OZ Festival have enjoyed hosting the largest Oz Festival in the world for the past 24 years. The continued success of the festival could not have happened without the hundreds of hours committed by the Town of Chesterton’s department heads and their employees, the involvement and support of the business community and the patience from our Duneland residents, as thousands of fans swarm into our communities the third weekend in September year after year.

“It has taken the Brains of many to make the logistics of this large festival come off without a hitch year after year. It has taken Courage by the festival organizers to take risks, constantly striving to improve the festival. Volunteers have committed countless hours to give the festival the Heart and soul that continues to drive the festival today.

The festival continues to grow and prosper under its new leadership provided by Lakeshore Festival and Events. It is with many happy memories and with mixed emotions that we inform you that the 2006 Wizard of Oz Festival will be held at the Porter County Expo Center.”

The letter goes on to say that the decision to move the fest out of Chesterton was prompted by several factors, one of which is the festival boundaries. The downtown Chesterton boundaries cannot be expanded effectively without causing an inconvenience to surrounding residents, the LFE letter reads. “It has been suggested that congestion in the festival grounds may create unsafe conditions for our visitors,” says the letter.

Other factors include increasing traffic congestion, feedback from festival-goers who say they would like all events in one central location, and festival logistics that “are too complicated due to multiple event sites.”

The letter, written by LFE President Brenda Maynard and Vice-President and Festival Director Dee Spargur, concludes: “We wish to thank you again for the wonderful partnerships that have been created over the years and invite everyone to join us at the 2006 Wizard of Oz Festival on Sept. 15, 16 and 17, 2006.”

The LFE’s letter today apparently culminates a discussion that began about two years ago, when Chesterton town officials raised concerns about the size of the festival and its impact on town resources. In response, Oz officials had asked to move the bulk of the festival to Sunset Hill Farm County Park, but were shot down by the park board due to concerns about traffic and possible damage to the park.

“We want to keep a connection with Chesterton, that’s why we have our office here,” Spargur said in a telephone interview this morning with the Chesterton Tribune. She said they will continue to support the Munchkin Market Days at the Yellow Brick Road Shop, and may request that the parade continue in downtown Chesterton. However, that has not yet been decided.

“I was really torn when I heard this was being considered,” said Marilyn Zengler, co-owner of the Yellow Brick Road Shop, in a telephone interview this morning. “I knew it was being thought about, but I wasn’t prepared to comment this morning.

“I understand the economical and logistical reasons, but traditionally, I believe it should not be moved. The Oz Festival put Chesterton on the map and I believe our downtown drew people to the festival,” she continued.

Zengler was the first president of the Lakeshore Festival & Events, which was created last year. She remained on the board until May of this year. She said while she was on the board, she wanted to study the proposal more.

“I do think it will continue to draw people to Porter County and will continue to support it,” she said.

Posted 9/6/2005