The 24th Annual Wizard of Oz Festival committee has announced the schedule for this year’s popular Munchkin Autograph Sessions. During past festivals, these parties provided wonderful opportunities for residents and visitors alike to spend a few moments with their favorite MGM Munchkin characters and have a treasured item autographed. This is a rare chance to speak person to person with some of these talented entertainers.

The autograph sessions will be at the Entertainment Tent located in Thomas Centennial Park. Sessions will be at one-half hour intervals on Saturday, Sept. 17 and Sunday, Sept. 18 with the first session beginning at 1 p.m. and the last at 2:30 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the Entertainment Tent and are $3 for adults and children ages 10 and under are free. The Munchkins reserve the right not to sign items for commercial dealers. There will be a limit of one autographed personal item per person. Cost of all autographs is $5. Only 50 tickets are available for each half hour session.

This event is part of the three day festival which starts Friday, Sept. 16 with MGM Munchkin Autograph Parties at various locations throughout Chesterton followed by the Friday Ozapalooza Family Fun Fair at Zao Island in Valparaiso.

Saturday and Sunday are the main days of the festival and include such events as the Oz Fantasy Parade, Costume Character Luncheon, Judy Oz Exchange and Auction, Breakfast with the Munchkins, Teddy Bear Tea Party and much more.

A major part of the Wizard of Oz Festival is the opportunity to enjoy over 300 artists and craftsmen from around the United States. They have all been juried and bring only the finest in handcrafted, unusual items to exhibit in downtown Chesterton.

For more information, contact Lakeshore Festival & Events office, Chesterton at 983-1691 or visit the web at www.wizardofozfestival.org.

Posted 8/29/2005