Magician of Oz

It's been a week since the Chesterton Wizard of Oz Festival and this has been the first opportunity I've had to post a blog entry about the outstanding time I had in the Land of Oz.

As many of you will no doubt notice, 'ol James cut his hair. Given that it's been nearly a hundred degrees every day all summer here in the Land of the Hoosiers, I reached a point where I couldn't take it anymore.

How you ladies deal with long hair in oppressive heat is beyond me.

Anyway, back to Oz.

The weekend of September 17-19 was highlighted on my calander for months as I was really looking forward to this fine festival which is only a few hours from my home.

Last year was the first year I had attended this festival and was, in fact, the very first Oz festival I had ever attended.

As you can tell, day one was highlighted by rain for about half the day. A bit of a bummer but I met many people that day who were very supportive of my writing and book sales of Shadow Demon of Oz went very well.

Here is one of the most unique and imaginative costumes I have ever seen at an Oz festival.

It's the Bucket of Water that Dorothy used to destroy the Wicked Witch of the West.

She called it the 'Weapon of Witch Destruction' and she seemed to be the only one who wasn't annoyed by the rain.

On Sunday, things were looking much better. The characters here were about to go on a tour of the grounds when the Wicked Witch of the West, who had been motionless for several minutes while children cautiously approached her, let out a cackle like none I have ever heard before. It scared everyone in earshot and the kids were especially frightened by her laugh.

As you can see, all of Oz was having a wonderful time.

Here, we see that the Tin man has grown a bit and found a nice place for a special beverage. I hope he doesn't engage in drinking and chopping.

The winner of the Hat Contest makes an appearance at my stall to show off a wonderful Professor Marvel Wagon Hat. Very inventive and unique.

... and of course, there were aspiring Munchkins around every corner. It's amazing how much Oz makes people so happy.


Scraps, the Patchwork Girl decided to make an appearance this year and spent her time with Dennis Anfuso in his stall, which happened to be right next to mine. And if that isn't enough Oz for you, Jack Pumpkinhead and the Sawhorse showed up as well.

Who knew Jack could drive a Hoveround, although technically, it doesn't hover!

I also had the great pleasure of meeting Rick Ewigleben and Todd Bates just a few stalls down from me. They are wonderful people who made me feel very welcome. I look forward to seeing them at every opportunity in the Land of Oz.


It's amazing how a little nice weather really brings out the crowds. There were loads of people everywhere and many unique visions of Oz to be seen.

Such is the devotion to Oz that many people had tattoos of Oz. Some were very small and hardly visible... and then some were like this one. Now, I'm not a tattoo kinda guy, so don't expect me to get one, but boy, when some people get one, they don't go half-hearted at it, do they???

Of course, there were the wonderful ambassadors of Oz, who we know as the Munchkins of Oz.

Jerry Marin, the Lollipop Guild Munchkin was in wonderful spirits today and had a smile that could not be wiped off if you had used a steel-wool pad.

Karl Slover, the First Trumpeter was also present and happy as always.

... and of course, there was Margarette Pellegrini, the Flower-Pot Munchkin.

Just as in Chittenango, these fine and wonderful representatives from the Land of Oz made the festival more special than normal. Their spirit, enthusiasm and love of Oz made everyone in the room fall in love with them, without even trying.

Princess Ozma has often said that no finer ambassadors could have been chosen for the task of representing Her Majesty and the World of Oz.

It seems Dorothy has grown up a bit. But wait, what's that she's carrying? Why, it's a Longaberger Basket. Apparently, Dorothy has gotten more expensive tastes in baskets.

As the day wound down, we see Glinda the Good Witch and Ruler of the South; Quadling Country paying a visit to fellow author, Julienne La Fleur and checking out her book.

The crowds were fantastic and it was a joy to see Oz is still loved by so many people, young and old alike.

As we bid farewell to another year of Oz in Chesterton, I look forward to next year, when the Royal Magician of Oz Trilogy will be complete with the publication of Family of Oz.

It has been a long two years since Her Majesty commanded me to tell of Her new Royal Magician and his adventures in Oz. Since that day, I have met the most wonderful people and had the best time anyone could possibly have.

Finally, I make my way down the road of yellow brick and back home to the Land of the Hoosiers, where my wonderful wife awaits me with a steaming bowl of Potato Soup and all the love and support any man could ask for.

My report to Her Majesty, Princes Ozma; Royal Sovereign and Ruler of Oz will be very appreciative of all the folks in Chesterton, with a special thank-you to Machelle Blount, Celeste Hertz and every yellow-shirted volunteer that helped make our time in Oz well worth the trip.

Par Ardua Ad Alta!!!

James C. Wallace II
Royal Liaison to Princess Ozma