Small BUT GOOD
February 15, 2018
TGMC announces Hall of Fame Class for 2018
February 15, 2018
The International Wizard of Oz club was founded in 1957 to bring together all fans of the world of Oz. The club hosts numerous events across the country every year for those who appreciate the films, stage adaptations, books, memorabilia, eta Two local Oz enthusiasts, who are a mother-son duo and largely active members of the International Wizard of Oz club. Karen and David Diket brought such an event to the Houma-Thibodaux area three years ago The two. along with other members of the Oz club, will host the 3rd Annual Oz on the Bayou on Feb. 15-16 at the Terrebonne Parish North Branch Library.
“Its a really great opportunity for people who love Oz to be able to talk with other fans who have a common interest.” David says. “You can meet people online, but having that actual personal contact with someone who has the same interest as you is more fulfilling.”
This year the event will be celebrating 100 years of L. Frank Baum’s book. The Tin Woodman of Or. There will be a music and art show, film tribute, and book discussion to celebrate it. Other features of this years Oz on the Bayou include an adult Oz painting class, photo ops. story and craft time for children, readings by Central Lafourche drama department a scavenger hunt, and displays of Oz memorabilia from local collectors.
One of the local Oz collectors is David himself, whose collection is so noteworthy that the international club had him display it in New York in 2014. On top of displaying his memorabilia, David has given lectures and performed (singing and piano) songs from Oz at various conventions across the country and has been published in the club’s journal.
It is no surprise David is so active in the Oz community as his mom tells how he has been a fan of the movie. “The Wizard of Oz”. since he was two-years-old. “He seriously watched it all the time. He and his sister would play act stories with dolls and megaphones and make their own home movies.” Karen says.
Karen explained how when figuring out how much David loved the “Wizard of Oz”. they started to give him something Oz related every Christmas and birthday. Now at age 26. David’s collection has grown to be enormous and valuable.
Not only David but also his mother and father Chris Diket, have received recognition for their love of the Oz world. Chris won an art contest and Karen won a noii-nciion writing contest at a recent national convention.
The Diket family and the International Wizard of Oz Club welcome all people, not just super Oz enthusiasts to Oz on the Bayou this Thursday and Friday. All of the events happening at the library are free and open to the general public.
“It’s a fun way to start the day.” Karen says. “Its a fun activity, educational, and a great way to get people together.”
