The history remains, 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 Sept. 6.
Following the tough decision to cancel Aug. 15, Moonlit Movies is working hard to carry on the momentum of what was planned including: a costume contest, family activities, vendors, sponsor tables with giveways and of course, the movie on a 50-foot screen when it gets dark.
{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.
The city will still unveil two new statues and celebrate the improvements to Oz Plaza during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 6pm Sept. 6 during the downtown celebration.
O-Toto-Mo-Woc
As the weeks have built up to our anniversary our technicolor Totos have been arriving. These giant size Totos will each be uniquely decorated by different artists and placed throughout Oconomowoc. We will have these completed Totos on display at the 85th event, Sept. 6.
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.