The Lyman Frank Bauman Foundation of Syracuse in cooperation with The Marriott Downtown presents:
The Wicked Witch of the West’s Halloween Bash!
Before I ever saw the 1939 MGM classic “The Wizard of Oz,” I had read the book. Well, several books, and not “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” (the book upon which the movie is based, and the first book in a series). Rather, I had read “Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz,” “Ozma of Oz,” and “The Emerald City of Oz.” Later, of course, I also read the book that began the adventure – and all before ever moving to Syracuse, who gladly welcomed the writer from his hometown of Chittenango, New York, as a celebrity townie, since his family moved to Mattydale after his father’s successful business enterprises entitled them to an estate named Rose Lawn.
Gifted by his father with a printing press in his youthful years, Baum began churning out amateur journals, and eventually a book dedicated to Hamburg chickens, their care and feeding. After some time in theatre, he began to work at his brother-in-law’s dry goods store in Syracuse, though he eventually returned to his beloved boards when his father built him his own small theatre, where he wrote and performed. When he married Maud Gage, daughter of Matilda Joslyn Gage – the Cicero-born suffragist and women’s reform leader – his connection to Syracuse was cemented.
I met with foundation Executive Director Kathleen Sorbello Di Scenna several years ago, as the Lyman Frank Baum Foundation was gearing up for what would eventually become a collection of memorabilia, a home of rotating exhibits at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown, and a series of events from a bus tour, to the happy subject of our story today: the Wicked Witch of the West’s Halloween Bash! Kathleen contacted me to share the news that you’re all invited for a wicked good time!
The event will be held in the Persian Terrace, and will be just as the name implies – a bash!
Children of all ages are welcome to attend, free, and come dressed as a favorite Oz character (or a Halloween costume of choice) if desired. While there is no fee, donations are welcome, and guests are urged to bring non-perishable food items to donate to the Food Bank of CNY.
The events kick off at noon with the presentation of the Golden Cap Award to Mike Lykins, and at 12-1:30pm the Girl Scouts and Scouts BSA will be selling baked goods, as Scout Leader Katie Haberer shares what it means to be a Scout and all that can be accomplished.
Meanwhile, the Wicked Witch of the West wants her sister’s Silver Shoes back – and you’ll be locked up if you can’t guess where they are! Yep, it’s a lock-up event; register a donation at the door for your get-out-of-jail pass code, or try to guess where the Silver Shoes may be hiding.
At 2pm, Daniel Ciciarelli, 3rd Ward Councilman, Town of Salina, will describe the Town of Salina Museum’s activities together with the Lyman Frank Baum Foundation, Inc.
That will lead into an interview with special Halloween Guests – Tim Fox, Executive Producer at WSYR Channel 9, and stars of Baron Daemon and His Buddies, Mike Price (Baron Daemon) and Dennis Calkins (Very Harry).
At 4pm, the Raffle begins, followed by the Wizard of Oz Costume Contest (4 age group categories: 5-11, 12-16, Adults, Family). And finally, you’ll have your chance to have your photo taken with the Wicked Witch herself!
So, gather your courage, warm your heart, put on your thinking cap, tap your heels together, and get ready for a wicked good bash, Oz Style!
Sunday, October 23, 2022
12:00 Noon – 5:00pm
Persian Terrace Ballroom
Marriott Syracuse Downtown
