Oconomowoc lays claim to being one of a few hand-picked Midwest communities to first show "The Wizard of Oz" in theaters. Producers weren't sure if the movie would be a hit so they did a test run in a few smaller theaters.
Why Oconomowoc? Historians think it's because two main players in creation of the film had local ties. Herbert Stothart who helped write the original score lived in Okauchee. And Meinhardt Raabe, who played the Munchkin Coroner, grew up in the Watertown-Farmington area. Whatever the reason, Oconomowoc heartily celebrates the fact that one of the greatest movies of all time was first shown right in its downtown at the Strand Theater.
2024 marks the 85th anniversary of the release of "The Wizard of Oz." Celebrations have been going on all year throughout the country. Oconomowoc will hold its celebration Aug. 15 downtown.
Moonlit Movies Oz 85th celebration Aug. 15