Halloween in Oz

ALL ABOARD!

 I am so proud to support our Troy Historic Village and the events that are held there.  On Saturday, October 26, 2013, much to the delight of the young people dressed in costumes, we experienced Halloween in Oz.  With my trusty camera in hand, I wandered along with all the young ones and their parents.  So put on your ruby slippers, click your heels three times and say, “There’s no place like Oz” and come along with me….

Upon our arrival in the Merry Old Land of Oz, we found ourselves in Munchkin Land, whose residents were quite hospitable to us.   They handed out treat bags for those who hadn’t brought their own, and a few goodies for the trip.  They told us to “Follow the yellow brick road”…and so we did! 

 We came upon some scarecrows, but I daresay, there were no crows to scare away!   We did however make friends with this fine lady, who also introduced us to some of her friends..

 

 Back on the road, we met a rather surly lion, who tried to frighten us.  When asked however, if he scared us, we admitted that he hadn't succeeded.  That’s when he told us that he was just a big coward, and we felt sorry for him. 

We came upon a log cabin where a Tin Man sat in a chair, reassuring the little ones that his axe was just for cutting wood.  He shared a secret with them - that he always wanted a heart, just like people had.  While he was handing out some treats, who should appear but the Wicked Witch of the West!   We scurried out as fast as we could!  

 As we approached the Caswell House, we found Dorothy and Toto sitting on the front steps greeting all the little ones.

It became quite windy and chilly, so Dorothy went inside, where she and Toto gave more treats to the children who stopped by.

Further up the road we came upon Poppleton School, where this ominous fellow greeted us.   The children steered clear of him and scampered up the school steps, only to be greeted by Miss Kitty Kat, who invited them inside and told them to take their seats. Her helpers then assisted the group in making their very own hand held scarecrows.

As we approached the General Store, the storekeeper’s wife greeted her costumed visitors with more treats.   Right next door we saw one of Cowardly Lion’s relatives, who beckoned us toward the Print Shop.  A festive wreath adorned the door, while the Gillikins provided their own special brew to the children.  Next to them, Mombi, the Sorceress was seen with her cohorts.  Passing by them, we came upon..Glinda and the Wicked Witch of the West!!!  They apparently had declared a truce for the day.

 We finally arrived at the Emerald City, where two of the Oz Imperial Guards held their post at the entrance to the Old Troy Church.  Oz hosted magic shows to the delight of his visitors.  Our pilgrimage left some weary and cold, so we entered the Town Hall for some warm apple cider, donut holes, hot chocolate and coffee.  Within a display case there, we saw that Tin Man finally got his heart.  Scarecrow tagged along, while Dorothy took a nap among the poppies.  Two of the books paying tribute to the creator of such a wonderful tale were artfully placed in the case.  One was delicately resting on a unique book stand fashioned from tree branches.  

 The final stop on our Oz tour brought us to the Main Building, once used as the Troy Township and City Halls.  The children gathered around a table for more treats, while I meandered toward the front of the building.  I came upon a display that showcased a private assortment of Oz memorabilia on loan from a generous collector, who graciously allowed us to enjoy seeing them.  

 

 

 This tapestry hung on the wall between the cases and I could almost hear them singing, “Oh, we’re off to see the wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz”.

 

With the journey ended, it was time to click the heels of our ruby slippers once more and say, “There’s no place like home, there’s no place like home” and find ourselves once more in Troy.

Have a Happy and Safe Halloween!