After my inaugural trip to this festival in 2011 as a denizen of Authors Alley, I knew I would be back. It was a wonderful experience from start to finish, and I immediately felt like part of an enthusiastic, loving, accepting family—an impression I held for both the people running it and the community that gathers each year to celebrate the “place” as much as the “birth” of the original author of Oz.

A second visit happened in 2012 when I was back as one of the special guests among a glittering roster that included parade grand marshal Gregory Maguire, author of “Wicked,” André De Shields, who created a platform-shoed sensation in the title role of the 1975 Broadway musical “The Wiz,” and the final festival appearance of MGM Munchkin Margaret Pellegrini, always a delight (okay, a hoot) wherever she went and whenever we met up for these happy occasions.

Two years passed before this latest sojourn to L. Frank Baum’s hometown (bad timing for me in 2013), but, as it is often said, “third time’s a charm.” The 2014 festival was indeed charming, or at least that’s the word brought repeatedly to mind. Before the festival’s official kickoff, I arranged to get together with my local friend Ryan Zlomek, who took me up to see the serene and breathtaking Chittenango Falls. Paradise on earth!

The festivities began (at least for me) with a hard-cider tasting, hosted by the International Wizard of Oz Club on a breezy and cool Thursday evening at Critz Farms in Cazenovia—a charming (truly!), 350-acre location. This year, the club’s national convention was held in conjunction with the local festival, adding significantly to the number of choices of what to do and see.

Friday morning, I attended my second Oz Club -sponsored event. It was breakfast this time at the Craftsman Inn in Fayetteville, where most of the conventioneers and Oz-Stravaganza! guests were boarded for the weekend. Club member Blair Frodelius interviewed Roger Stanton Baum, great grandson of L. Frank Baum and author of his own Oz books, including “Dorothy of Oz,” recently adapted for the big screen as an animated feature film entitled, “Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return.” Roger is known to “go on a bit” whenever he’s interviewed, which he usually jokes about himself. This time, I thought his answers were keenly perceptive, honest, humorous, economical, and … you guest it … charming. For example, when asked about his early impressions of his great-grandmother Maud Gage Baum, wife of Oz creator L. Frank Baum, the first thing that came to mind for him was “fear.” I loved his answer because it was so candid and funny. He said Maud was such a stern-looking woman as she would sit imperiously in her wing-backed chair, but once you got to know her, she was a lovely person.

The museum was bustling that Friday afternoon. Everyone was anticipating the start of Oz-Stravaganza! 2014. Jonathan brought several helpers with him to assist in setting up his wonderful collection of screen-worn Judy Garland costumes.

It made me both happy and sad to see the costumes worn at countless personal appearances by MGM Munchkins Clarence Swensen (special guest Myrna’s late husband) and Margaret Pellegrini. I was there in 2012 when Margaret donated her costume to this museum, and I was there again for this year’s festival when Myrna donated Clarence’s soldier uniform. It only reminds me of how wonderful they were and how much I miss them. And how many people’s hearts they touched over the years.

Next it was off to the first of several autograph-signing and book-selling sessions in the “special guest” tent. The weather was beautiful, and I was charmed once again—overwhelmed actually—when Doreen, a local-area fan of my books, brought me a two-sided collage of photographs to sign. They were taken during my last two appearances at Oz-Stravaganza! I was blown away and left scrambling to find words of appreciation. It did wonders for my ego as well, to be sure.

Simultaneously, the Authors Alley tent was in full swing for sellings and signings, with Tom Hutchison, Gwendolyn Tennille, Ron Baxley, Jr., Kenneth L. Doane II, Ethan Tarshish, and Dick Mickelson.

That night, we were treated to the first of the weekend’s two main-stage programs. The Friday night lineup was hosted by Emmy-winning Garland and Oz expert, and dear friend, John Fricke, and it featured film critic Ryan Jay with his exciting, firsthand account of the 75th Anniversary re-premeiere of MGM’s “The Wizard of Oz” at the Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, artist Richard Masloski presenting his beautiful (and charming!) mockup of a proposed series of bronze Oz-character sculptures for a nearby park, Aaron Harburg, great-grandson of E.Y. “Yip” Harburg, lyricist of “Over the Rainbow” and indeed all of the songs from the 1939 MGM film, and a special surprise appearance by the International Wizard of Oz Club’s original founder Justin Schiller, who was just 13 years old when he started the club.

The day came to a close with a thrilling fireworks display above an open field, timed with expert precision to the soundtrack from MGM’s “The Wizard of Oz.” Red hearts burst, lions’ manes exploded, and rainbow comets filled the air.

Immediately following the contest held at Chittenango High School (an attempt this year to break the world’s record for the most MGM Oz characters in costume), Saturday’s parade began. We had a huge turnout, better than many anticipated, considering the number of simultaneous area events. I’m sure our gorgeous weather had something to do with it, but I’m equally certain the festival’s popularity itself was the main factor.

Then it was off to the main tent for another busy signing session. One of the highlights of this year’s festival was getting to know Aaron Harburg. His great-grandfather “Yip” Harburg (the lyricist for all of the songs in MGM’s “The Wizard of Oz”) would be so proud. Aaron is a wonderful guy with so much going for him. The sky’s the limit with this one.

Sunday morning came all too soon, and it started off with one of the most touching moments of the weekend. A park bench just outside the entrance to All Things Oz was dedicated with a plaque in memory of John Fricke’s mother Dottie, who passed away exactly one year ago during Oz-Stravaganza! 2013. Such a fitting tribute to the unique lady who gave us this talented, funny, insightful, and (okay, I’ll gladly say it again) charming host of this and so many Oz and Garland events around the world. Honoring Dottie’s memory in this way brought tears to my eyes and reminded me again that Oz-Stravaganza! and its many key players truly are a second family.