Follow the Yellow Brick Road this Weekend to Beech Mountain, North Carolina

Peggy Cosica of the Beech Mountain (N.C.) Chamber of Commerce calls it a great big party.

“It’s a lot of fun,” she says, referring to the Autumn of Oz celebration on October 3-4.

For the last 16 years, this event has been held at the former Land of Oz theme park (1970-80) in Beech Mountain. What began as a small get-together event made up of mostly employees has grown quite large, attracting Wizard of Oz fans from around the world.

“We see a tremendous amount of people who remember the park bringing their children or grandchildren back,” says Cosica.

During the celebration, guests (many dressed in Oz-like costumes themselves) can take a nostalgic trip through the original park remains, such as Auntie Em’s house and Uncle Henry’s barn. Of course, a visit wouldn’t be complete without taking a walk down the yellow brick road. Along the way, guests can meet all of the characters, including the Wicked Witch of the West and her flying monkeys.

There’s also a mini Oz museum, magic shows, live entertainment, face painting and lots of food.

And getting to the event is half of the fun. Parking is available in town, and guests can either take a hayride or shuttle in. For those who want something a little different that includes great views of the mountain, take the ski lift.

Hours for Autumn of Oz is 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $15/person and available at the gate. The fee includes parking, transportation to an from the celebration and admission. A portion of the fee goes toward the park’s restoration and upkeep.

photo credit: Photos are from Autumn at Oz celebration and are courtesy of Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce.