‘Wizard of Oz’ theme to take over Magical Forest for event
Events director Steve Koontz hustles down the train tracks on a mission: transform one of Las Vegas’ most popular winter attractions into a springtime Oz complete with flying monkeys, a haunted forest and the Emerald City in time to celebrate Opportunity Village’s 60th anniversary May 15.
On one end of Opportunity Village’s Magical Forest at the 6300 W. Oakey Blvd. campus, Koontz has a crew of volunteers from Bishop Gorman High School painting spooky trees for the haunted woods that Dorothy and her friends encounter on their journey.
On the other end, he has students from Bishop Gorman and Fremont Middle School sorting giant, vibrant sunflowers destined to decorate Munchkinville. In the middle, volunteer Robert Evans paints a previously Christmas-themed gingerbread cookie cabin, transforming it into an Oz-themed castle.
Other forest features include a holiday treehouse transformed into Auntie Em and Uncle Henry’s tornado-tossed farm house and scenes for the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion.
“Basically, every character in the movie will be in the forest somewhere,” Koontz said.
As visitors enter the forest trail, they’ll start off surrounded by black-and-white decorations. After a twister scene, just as in the classic film, everything will be in color.
“People won’t recognize it,” said Dawn Newburg, Opportunity Village chief development operations officer. “We’re really excited about it. The Magical Forest is such a part of Opportunity Village, and we’re excited to be able to expand it and open for different seasons.”
The Magical Forest started with decorations set up for a cocktail reception for donors in 1991 and quickly grew into a popular holiday attraction complete with train and carousel rides and a walk-through festive forest. It expanded its season to fall with spooky HalloVeen events in 2013, but this year’s festivities will be the forest’s first foray into spring.
“We’re expecting a really fun party atmosphere,” Newburg said.
From 5:30 to 10 p.m. May 15 and 16 and 5:30 to 9 p.m. May 17, the forest is scheduled to host a blowout birthday bash weekend with live entertainment, a vendor fair and all the rides and attractions the site is known for — with a Wizard of Oz twist. Dubbed The Wizard of OV at the Magical Forest, the festivities also are set to include a hot air balloon May 16, children’s activities, baker-prepared, Oz-themed cakes on display, root beer floats and for adults a beer garden.
“This is something new,” Newburg said of the adult libations. “We just thought would be a fun twist.”
Proceeds from the event, like proceeds from all events in the forest, go to further the Opportunity Village mission to provide opportunity to people with intellectual disabilities. The nonprofit community rehabilitation program serves more than 3,000 people annually.
Newburg said the organization was launched in 1954 by seven families looking for alternatives when they were asked to institutionalize their children.
“It started with a thrift store,” she said.
Parents used the funds from the store to hire teachers for their children.
“It was a moneymaker to help with education and classes for these families who had the vision that their children were not throwaway children,” Newburg said.
In the years since, that vision has grown to include four campuses offering vocational training, job placement and recreation programs.
“Sixty years is such a feat for this amazing organization,” Linda Smith, associate executive director, said in a press release. “This event is not only to celebrate the 60 years we’ve been around but also for the next 60 years … and beyond. OV is always looking for opportunities to grow and serve those with intellectual disabilities and the community. This birthday bash serves as a big thank you to everyone who continues to help us fulfill our mission.”
Admission to the event is $10 for adults and free for children 12 or younger. Anyone who is 60 years old, 60 inches tall or celebrating their birthday during the weekend, with identification to prove it, will also receive free admission. A wristband for unlimited rides and activities can be purchased for $12, and individual ride tickets are $3. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit wizardofov.com.
To reach View contributing reporter Ginger Meurer, email gmeurer@viewnews.com. Find her on Twitter: @gingermmm.