The magic of Wizard of Oz comes to SC State Museum

If you’ve ever wanted to take your own munchkins to Munchkin Land, you’ll have your chance on Saturday, when the S..C State Museum kicks off Saturdays in Oz, a monthlong extravaganza of activities that will lead you down the Yellow Brick Road and back again.

Saturday’s adventures start before you even enter the museum – some time during the night, the Wicked Witch of the East was flattened by the State Museum building and only her legs are visible.

From there, follow a yellow brick road through a forest and on to a day that includes a chance to meet Wizard of Oz characters, Ozian balloon animals, and a special Oz-themed scavenger hunt that will lead you through the museum on your search for hidden tokens. There also will be games, arts and crafts, special photo opportunities at Auntie Em’s house, games and, at 3 p.m., a special Emerald City party.

Saturday also marks the Columbia premier of The Wizard of Oz 4-D Experience, which will be shown in the 4-D theater throughout the day. In addition to special 3D visuals, the 16-minute-long production adds to the fun with wind, lightning and other special effects.

If you can’t make it on Saturdays, stop by the museum on Tuesday nights from 6-7 p.m. for Tin Man Trivia, special showings of The Wizard of Oz 4-D Experience and late-night sky viewing in the Boeing Observatory through the Alvan Clark telescope.

Saturday events begin at 10 and are free with museum admission; The Wizard of Oz 4-D Experience is extra.

For show times and more information, visit www.scmuseum.org