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 knows how to do outdoor movies on a giant screen. The local organization sets up a 30-foot screen in the park each summer, but for special occasions, it brings the party downtown. Organizers have spent more than a year planning how to take you from Kansas to Oz and back as you wander through Oconomowoc's downtown Aug. 15.
We don't want to give all Moonlit Movies surprises away, but we encourage you to come in costume if you have one. Bring a sense of adventure as there will be creatures, critters, character and you not-to-be-missed larger than life treats including hot air balloons!
{Plan ahead} Bring your blanket or lawn chair and set out early if you want to stay for the show which begins at dark. All downtown activities and food vendors open at 4pm.
Oz Plaza Ribbon Cutting
As mentioned, Oconomowoc loves its Oz connection. In 2019 at the 80th anniversary, the city unveiled Oz Plaza. A pocket park in the downtown which featured life size statues of Dorothy, Tin Man, Lion, Toto, Scarecrow, Wicked Witch and the Wizard complete on the yellow brick road swirl. In 2021 a giant Emerald City mural was added to the plaza.
But when plans for 2024's anniversary began, city staff began dreaming big on what else could be done at Oz Plaza. A ribbon cutting is planned for 6pm Aug. 15 during the downtown celebration. There you'll be able to not only find the beloved characters and mural as well as... some over the rainbow seating, two new characters, some sets of wings for you take flight, a new, re-swirled Yellow Brick Road to follow to our lake front, the house that killed the witch and many more treats you have to come to find for yourself.
O-Toto-Mo-Woc
And why not add another fun surprise to our Oz celebration. The City is partnering with 10 businesses and organizations to bring technicolor Totos throughout the city! These giant size Totos will each be uniquely decorated by different artists and placed throughout Oconomowoc. The project is in its beginning stages, but the hope is to have a couple completed Totos on display at the 85th event.
The Oconomowoc Historical Society & Museum is another gem of Oz history. Visit the museum anytime during its regular hours (Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.) and you can view first edition copies of Frank Baum's Oz series. The museum also has other memorabilia about the Strand Theater.