By Eileen Buckley
Niagara Falls, NY – Niagara Falls, New York is now one of three locations being considered for a world class destination tourist attraction. Oz Central, a Kentucky based company, narrowed its list of five cities to three as it searches for a home to build a "Wizard of Oz" theme park.
Leaders of Oz Central toured the former Nabisco plant on Rainbow Boulevard in the Falls a couple of weeks ago. Oz Central holds the license to L. Frank Baum Family Trust. Baum was the author of the original Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
President Richard Burch says the list of top five cities was narrowed to three. He says the Falls site was moved into the top three for several reasons -- including the fact that Frank Baum was born in Chittenango, New York, outside of Syracuse. Burch says also says establishing a theme park so close to the Falls could mean big for success for an Oz park.
"When you look at the demographics, the raw numbers of visitors to Niagara and the Canadian side and the number of visitors on the American side," Burch said. "The fact that 55 percent of the population of the United States is within ten hours of Niagara Falls. In addition, 65 percent of the population of Canada is within ten hours of the area. There are some very encouraging factors."
The other two cities are Houston and Atlanta. Burch says the final decision will be "strongly based" on public and political support.
"The next round of criteria for us will be additional meetings with community leaders, and additional meetings with Governor Pataki, or the Governor's delegate, whoever that may be," Burch said. "We have people working on setting up that meeting right now."
Niagara Falls Mayor Irene Elia says she is "elated" to learn the city is now in the top three and pledges her support. And Elia says if the Falls is selected, she will work to ensure it becomes a reality and not another empty promise -- a repeated theme for decades in Niagara Falls.
"I think they are making the right choice. Niagara Falls would welcome them with open arms and help them in any we can," Elia said. "This is the place to be. It is a business friendly city. We look forward to having them come to Niagara Falls."
Burch says a final site could be announced in 90 days. The Oz Park design would include amusement rides, complete with flying monkeys, the witches castle, Emerald City and a tornado.