WIZARD OF OZ FESTIVAL How it all began ...

Once upon a time in the small town of Chesterton, a firecracker of a lady had plans to open a shop. By what later turned to be good-fortune, she acquired some Wizard of Oz collectible items. They became a hit and her Yellow Brick Road Shop became a stopping place for many fans.

In 1981 the economy was taking a big hit and the shops in this small town of Chesterton were suffering. Jean and other shop owners decided to create a festival that would bring foot-traffic into the town and ultimately their businesses. So Jean and five area business owners opened their doors and invited the public to fun and games ... and the first Chesterton Wizard of Oz Festival was born.

 From there the festival grew. Jean sought out celebrities from the movie and they sought her. The festival became the world's largest Wizard of Oz Festival having hundreds of vendors and thousands of visitors from all over the world traveling to Chesterton for an Oz fantasy packed weekend. It put this small town of Chesterton, Indiana on the map. Later, Jean opened the Oz Fantasy Museum to the enjoyment of Oz fans from everywhere.

The Wizard of Oz Festival is celebrating its 28th year in Indiana coming home to Chesterton, where it all began.

It is Jean's dream to keep the magic of Oz alive for many generations to come, and the Duneland Business Initiative Group is proud to carry the torch of presenting the 28th Wizard of Oz Festival. The Festival thrives because of the family oriented values instilled by the 1939 MGM film classic "The Wizard of Oz", an enduring literary classic written by L. Frank Baum.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Chesterton, Indiana September 18th, 19th & 20th, 2009 and experience Jean Nelson's dream.