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January 23. 2013 10:59PM

Town transforms into Emerald City to support high school musical

By KATHY REMILLARD
Union Leader Correspondent

GOFFSTOWN - If you see the downtown area covered in a green hue Friday evening, don't be alarmed. Many areas on Main Street will be given an Emerald City-like makeover in support of the Goffstown High School Music Department's production of the Wizard of Oz.

The show will run for two weekends - Feb. 15-17 and 22-23, but Robbie Grady, executive director of the Main Street program, said there is plenty of fun to be had in Goffstown in the weeks leading up to the shows.

"Who doesn't have fond memories of the Wizard of Oz?" Grady said. "It's a great story, and we're happy to be a part of it."

Grady said that after the excitement of the fall Pumpkin Regatta and Friday Night Under the Lights holiday event, seeing the Town Hall, Rotary Park and the Common lit in green just might help pull residents out of the winter blues.

Characters from the production will be at Open Mic Night at Apotheca on Friday evening, and at Sawyer's Main Street Breakfast from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

The following weekend characters will be at the Two Friends Café in Pinardville and the Bagg Lunch during the lunch hour.

"We're happy that our friends in Pinardville are getting involved as well," Grady said.

The Goffstown Library will host themed story times and a wand-building craft, and residents can meet Dennis Anfuso, author of "The Winged Monkeys of Oz."

Family events include a costume party at the YMCA Allard Center and ruby slipper and bluebird house making at ACE Hardware.

Grady said many area businesses will feature Emerald City displays.Various businesses will offer promotions in the next several weeks, including the YMCA, Powden's Jewelry, Amala Wellness Center and Slawsby Insurance.

Grady is hoping residents will make nominations for a special contest as well.

"We're looking for people in the area who have shown great brains, great hearts and great courage," she said. "We think there are so many great people in Goffstown, and it will be nice to have them recognized."

Nominations can be made through the Goffstown Library website, and winners will be announced at the final Wizard of Oz performance.

Selectman Scott Gross said the events are a way to unite different parts of the community.

"I think supporting youth theater is a good thing all the time," he said, "but it's especially good for the schools when the town and the business community come together this way."

Gross said many areas of town began to collaborate during the town's 250th anniversary celebration, and that events uniting various groups build community spirit.

kremillard@newstote.com