Owners of the popular Beech Mountain attraction, "Land of Oz," report that the venue had "minor damage from fallen trees," according to a post on social media Monday.
The "Land of Oz" is a theme park inspired by the "Wizard of Oz." It has been visited by celebrities including Debbie Reynolds, Carrie Fisher, Muhamed Ali, and Ray Bolger, who played the Scarecrow in the original movie.
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The 1970s theme park carved into the naturally magical landscape atop Beech Mountain has been a draw for families for decades. It has been closed since 1980, but reopens for a three weeks each September.allowing visitors a chance to explore iconic childhood memories like the yellow brick road, Dorothy's house, the Wicked Witch's castle, the haunted forest and the majestic gates of Oz.
Although "Land of Oz" was able to avoid major damage, Page Leidy, the President of Emerald Mountain Inc., its parent company, is requesting that state leaders provide urgent assistance for the Town of Beech Mountain.
"Town of Beech Mountain, like many other small communities in North Carolina, has suffered catastrophic damage. The need for urgent assistance and resources is critical. We implore the State of North Carolina to increase awareness of the situation, prioritize support for our community, and mobilize the necessary materials to assist in recovery efforts," Leidy wrote in a letter to Gov. Roy Cooper and Sen. Ralph Hise. "We require awareness and immediate action from the state, the National Guard, FEMA, the Dept. of Defense, and other Search and Rescue organizations to ensure the safety and security of our residents. The safety of our community is and must remain the highest priority."