GRAND RAPIDS, Minn., June 23 /PRNewswire/ -- "The Wizard of Oz" munchkins Margaret Pellegrini and Jerry Maren headline this year's Judy Garland Festival. The Tin Man and Scarecrow join them for children's events on June 27-28.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070523/AQW015)

The annual festival in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, birthplace of Judy Garland, features Garland historian Steve Sanders and collector Michael Siewert who will display 15 gowns worn by the singer and actress in the Judy Garland Museum.

Concert pianist Richard Glazier presents "A Salute to Judy Garland & Friends" at the Reif Performing Arts Center in Grand Rapids on June 27 at 7:30 p.m. His newest show is a tribute to the woman often called the world's greatest entertainer. Pianist Lorie Line performs some signature Garland songs Saturday evening as part of her concert at the Reif Center at 7:30 p.m.

It is a tradition to present a free showing of the Garland classic and beloved film, "The Wizard of Oz," during the festival. The free film is Saturday morning, June 28 at 9:30 a.m. followed by Lunch with the Munchkins and the Children's Oz Fair and Dance.

The Judy Jeopardy Game, created by Garland fans, is a new addition to the festival on Friday along with the Toto Too: Dog Talent Contest.

Munchkin Jerry Maren will sign his new book, "Short and Sweet: The Life and Times of the Lollipop Munchkin."

The Judy Garland Festival takes place in and around the Judy Garland Museum, Children's Museum and Memorial Garden in Grand Rapids, a northern Minnesota resort town where Garland was born Frances Ethel Gumm. The museum has the world's largest collection of Judy Garland memorabilia.

Recalling Garland's history, John Kelsch, executive director of the museum, said, "There's no place like home. Seventy years ago this year, Judy came home to Minnesota for a triumphant visit."

See http://www.judygarlandmuseum.com/ or call 1-800-664-5839.

Web site: http://www.judygarlandmuseum.com/

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