Aug. 13th Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JULY 20, 2009
www.MoonlitMovies.org - Craig C. Pruscha – 262-567-2700
70th Anniversary of the World Premier of The Wizard of Oz,
Inspires Downtown Street Festival in Oconomowoc
(July 28—Oconomowoc, WI) There’s No Place Like Home --Moonlit Movies is hosting a celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the World Premier of the Wizard of Oz featuring a large street celebration on Thursday, August 13, 2009 from 5:30pm to 10:30pm to honor the event.
August 12, marks the 70th anniversary of the World Premier of the Wizard of Oz at the Strand Theater in Oconomowoc back in 1939. Oconomowoc was one of just a three cities selected by MGM to conduct soft market testing prior to its formal launch several days later in Los Angeles and New York City. It is a point of distinction for the little Lake Country city that has not gone unnoticed.
The event will fill two city blocks with children’s activities, bouncy houses and a small concert stage where popular artist Michael Begler will be performing along with other local talent. To add some Wizard of Oz flare, the street will also play host to The Great Oz Tent, where kids can interact with the Great Oz himself; a Yellow Brick Road Adventure Area for kids, a wicked witch dunk tank and over twenty-five professional actors in costume.
“Our goal was to fill the street with tons of events and activities for the family, all leading to the crowning event--the showing the famed movie on a 40’ screen on the same street where the public and celebrities gathered 70 years ago,” said Jalane Sauer, Vice President of Moonlit Movies.
In addition to those activities, Granite Resources of Nashotah has donated a large granite pedestal which will serve as a historical reminder of the event, featuring a custom design by local illustrator Justin Hutter. A special unveiling will happen the night of the event.
“We wanted to use our August event to help celebrate this 70th Anniversary with style” said Jennifer Froemming who also serves on the Moonlit Board. “As we began discussing the possibilities, it just took a life of its own and grew to into this great event.” Moonlit Movies, Inc, a non-profit organization has been showing movies on a 40’ inflatable movie screen at Fowler Park in Oconomowoc for four years and stepped forward to plan this event.
Downtown businesses have been affected in an adverse way by necessary construction on Wisconsin Avenue and a challenging economy. Part of the intent of this event was to help generate awareness of the downtown merchant offerings. Restaurants and shops will be participating with specials related to the Wizard of Oz.
“As a business owner myself, I was eager to help create an event that benefitted those that endured a hard season last year” said Larry Farrell who serves as a corporate sponsor and board member for Moonlit. “Serving the community with a fun family event, sending all the proceeds to the Oconomowoc Food Pantry and commemorating the Wizard of Oz, it is the perfect trifecta!”
The children’s events and festivities will begin at 5:30pm. Attendees are encouraged to bring folding type chairs or blankets for the movie which will begin around 8:30pm. Although the event is free, Moonlit Movies encourages all who attend to bring a non-perishable food donation for the Oconomowoc Food Pantry, who will also be onsite to receive them.
For more information, visit www.MoonlitMovies.org
Presented by:
Fist Bank Financial
&
The Oconomowoc Area Foundation
Sponsored by:
Crosspoint Community Church The Pruscha Foundation
Milwaukee Chiropractic Paragon Development Systems
ProHealth Lorleberg’s
Oconomowoc Rotary Oconomowoc Enterprise
City of Oconomowoc Park & Rec.
In addition a unique category of “show sponsors” was added this year, with a special group of sponsor helping make each one of the show possible. Our gracious show sponsors, they include Enterprise Lighting, Babush Material Handling, & CheeseheadUniversity.com
The board of Moonlit Movies is comprised of: Kelly Begler, Larry Farrell, Jennifer Froemming, Ken Herro, Brian Nemoir, Diem Nguyen, Craig Pruscha, Jalane Sauer and TJ Rinaldi.