Porter County's festive life

People lined Chesterton's streets to watch the parade during last year's Wizard of Oz Festival.

Smart economic growth, development in Chesterton

People lined Chesterton streets last September to watch the Wizard of Oz Festival parade. The festival needs a new sponsor if it is to continue.

Chesterton's Wizard of Oz Fest could end without new sponsor

CHESTERTON | A new sponsoring organization is needed to assume the duties of managing and coordinating Chesterton's annual Wizard of Oz Festival or the event is likely to cease.

Wicked Witch of the West Costume Character Marching in 2012 Wizard of Oz Fest Parade

An army of costumed characters from "The Wizard of Oz," including The Wicked Witch of the West, are staples at the annual Wizard of Oz Festival, which celebrated a 31st year in Chesterton in 2012. The festival could end this year if a new sponsor is not found.

OFFBEAT: MHS teacher nets rights to rare 'Wizard of Oz' inspired stage work

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Oz parade

The Chesterton High School Marching Band participated in the Wizard of Oz Festival parade.

Oz parade

People lined the streets of Chesterton to watch the parade during the Wizard of Oz Festival.

Wizard of Oz parade blows into Chesterton

CHESTERTON | Dan Thome and his family have been coming to Chesterton’s Wizard of Oz Festival for the past 23 years, traveling from Grand Rapids, Mich., with his mother Pat, his aunt, and an entourage of friends in tow since 1989.

Oz parade

Three-year-old tin man Greg Hicks waves to members of the parade during this year's Wizard of Oz Festival in Chesterton. Greg's parents have attended the Festival regularly since 1993.

Chesterton approves Wizard of Oz Festival agreement

CHESTERTON | The town once again is set to host the Wizard of Oz Festival after members of the Town Council unanimously approved an agreement with the Duneland Business Initiative Group.

OFFBEAT: Munchkin Karl Slover, 93, was a favorite of 'Oz' fans of all ages

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Follow the Chesterton road

CHESTERTON | People lined downtown streets Saturday as characters young and old participated in the Horse of a Different Color Parade to celebrate Chesterton's Wizard of Oz Festival.

Poster Promoting "Dorothy of Oz" Film

Dorothy faces a new adversary in the Land of Oz with Martin Short voicing a new bad guy called The Jester in the new 3D, CG-animated feature film "Dorothy of Oz" opening in theaters in summer 2012.

A New Dorothy for a New Generation

A new 3D, CG-animated film about Dorothy's trip over the rainbow called 'Dorothy of Oz' features an all-star cast of famed voices and will open in theaters in summer 2012.

OFFBEAT: Readers have questions about Munchkins, Midget Bar in Chicago and TradeWinds celeb poker

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Three decades down the Yellow Brick Road

When Mary Reinhart and fellow members of the organizing committee for the annual Chesterton Wizard of Oz Festival were discussing who should be the celebrity grand marshal for this year's parade, the decision was easy.

Cops: Parking restrictions set up for Oz Fest in Chesterton

CHESTERTON | Police are reminding residents to have any cars parked in the downtown area moved Friday night as crews begin setting up for the annual Wizard of Oz Festival.

Chesterton Town Council hears trail update

CHESTERTON | Planning for the Dunes-Kankakee Trail project and its route through town continues, Town Engineer Mark O'Dell reported Monday to the Town Council.

Lollipop Munchkin Jerry Maren

Jerry Maren, 91, who played a Munchkin member of The Lollipop Guild, in the 1939 classic MGM film "The Wizard of Oz" will not attend next month's 2011 30th Annual Wizard of Oz Festival in Chesterton, Ind.