By ALEXANDRA NEWMAN

Samantha Keiser, 7 years old, of Lockland, Nevada, won’t have to click her heels three times to get her wish. But, she may click her ruby slippers anyway, because she will be attending Chesterton’s Wizard of Oz Festival Sept. 17-19.

Little Samantha, contacted the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Nevada Chapter, to attend the Chesterton event and the Nevada Chapter contacted the Indiana Chapter, both of which are making the wish come true.

The Nevada chapter of Make-A-Wish Foundation has already presented Samantha with a Dorothy Dress, Ruby Slippers and Toto in a basket.

Lakeshore Festival and Events, Chesterton/Duneland Chamber of Commerce and Munchkinland Market Days are providing all tickets to all events of the Festival and motel accommodations for Samantha and her parents.

Plans to accommodate Samantha are in place. She is invited to all the events, but will have her choice as to what she will attend. She will be invited to a special dinner with the Munchkins Thursday night and plans are for her to view the Saturday Oz parade from the reviewing stand.

According to Karen Spallina, president of Lakeshore Festival and Events, everything will be free for her and her family. The Chamber will be presenting her with a gift basket and Festival fans, who keep in touch via the Internet, have purchased gifts to give her.

“We are delighted they approached us and we are looking forward to treating her like a princess. We’re truly honored she chose us. Thinking of her, makes us put everything in perspective,” said Spallina.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation answers wishes of children, who have terminal illnesses.

Posted 9/8/2004