Downtown Wamego transformed Saturday in celebration of the beloved tale ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ The annual Oztoberfest returned for 2022 with a ‘Toto-ly Gingham’ theme, shutting down a portion of Lincoln Ave. for a full day of performances, contests and other activities for all ages — and all featuring an Oz-ey overtone. One of Wamego’s major yearly events, the city has become known for its penchant for the fantastical works of L. Frank Baum. Columbian Theatre and Oz Museum Executive Director Clint Stueve opened the morning by expressing happiness that the Wamego tradition is continuing on in spite of challenges that have impacted tourism and hospitality industry businesses over the past couple years, also thanking those who have contributed to the organization such as International Wizard of Oz Club President Jane Albright and Johnpaul Cafiero — whose family contributed much of the collection making up the Oz Museum.
Source: 1350 KMAN
