Judy Garland Festival – Grand Rapids MN

For Judy Garland fans, Grand Rapids, Minnesota is a special place. Frances Ethel Gumm, who would ultimately become Judy Garland, was born in Grand Rapids on June 10, 1922. Every year on the weekend closest to Garland’s birthday, the Judy Garland Museum hosts the Judy Garland Festival, three days of tribute to this famous actress and singer.

Judy Garland – Frances Ethel Gum

Frances Gumm was under three years old when she started her show business career. She spent her childhood touring. By the time that Gum started making movies when she was a teenager, she had already rechristened herself as Judy Garland.

Judy Garland’s troubles with drugs started at an early age when she was given amphetamines to help her keep working long hours on sets and barbiturates to help her sleep at night. She was also given drugs to help her loose or control her weight as the years went on.

Judy Garland received her first Academy Award for “The Wizard of Oz,” a movie that was originally intended for Shirley Temple. “The Wizard of Oz,” released in 1939, is a perennial favorite that features Garland’s incredible voice and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” a song that Garland used throughout her career.

Judy Garland married five times and had three children, Liza Minelli, Joey Luft, and Lorna Luft. Her turbulent private life, her use of drugs, and the ups and downs in her career took their toll. On June 22, 1969, Judy Garland died of an accidental overdose.

Judy Garland’s singing and acting in her many movies continue to delight fans today.

The Judy Garland Museum – Grand Rapids MN

Located in Judy Garland’s birthplace, the Judy Garland Museum is dedicated to the talent of Frances Ethel Gumm. The Museum’s exhibits include the blue cotton dress that Garland wore in “The Wizard of Oz,” Garlands original 1933 work permit, and rare posters and photographs.

The Judy Garland Festival – Grand Rapids MN

Every year, the Judy Garland Festival shows the restored “The Wizard of Oz.” Other events might include meeting with actors who played the Munchkins in the movie, a mystery dinner, and unique displays from Judy Garland memorabilia collectors. Lorna Luft or Joe Luft might also make an appearance. And, there is a birthday party to celebrate Judy Garland.

The Judy Garland Museum and Judy Garland Festival
The Judy Garland Club

-Laura Evans

Laura Evans is a native Californian and has traveled extensively throughout the Southwest. She is a Tutor, an Antique Dealer, and a Freelance Writer. Visit her at Antiques and Collectibles