Culver City Observer -

Follow the yellow brick road in the Culver City downtown block party's family fun zone, Saturday. Sept. 24, 12:30 pm to 4 p.m., where guests will paint bricks on the famous street from the Wizard of Oz, experience a 3-D Emerald City photo exhibit, watch acclaimed street artists chalk movie scenes, and try their hand at chalking the streets themselves in celebration of the city's 100th birthday.

Guests also will pose next to movie and television character standees from Culver City-based productions in the family fun zone, which is presented by the Culver City Centennial Celebration Committee and the Screenland 5K.

Designed by international street artist and Culver City High alumnus Lori Escalera, the three-dimensional street art exhibit will depict Wizard of Oz characters running to the Emerald City on the yellow brick road in a retro television set. Guests can take photos of the illusion, interact with the art and meet the artist.

The Culver City Centennial booth at the family fun zone will provide information and merchandise for the year-long birthday celebration, including the Centennial Gala hosted by Sony Pictures Entertainment, Oct. 1.

The downtown block party follows a morning parade of 75 entries up Culver Blvd into downtown Culver City, and the opening ceremonies, slated for 11 a.m. at the intersection of Culver Blvd and Main St.

Mayors and other officials from sister cities Uruapan, Mexico; Kaizuka, Japan; and Lethbridge, Canada and friendly city Capo D’Orlando, Italy will paint a section of the yellow brick road and sign their names at the family chalk area.

Run as your favorite actor down the yellow brick road through Sony Pictures and Culver Studios storied backlots, a wizard's rainbow and the Centennial Trail in the once-in-a-century family fun Screenland 5K adventure on Academy Awards Sunday. Finish on the red carpet with Scarlett O'Hara, Rhett Butler and the paparazzi in the Heart of Screenland.

The Screenland 5K will offer 25% discounts for participants who register at the fun zone. The Yellow Brick Road brick painting is sponsored by Cavanaugh Realtors. The 3-D Emerald City photo exhibit is presented by Screenland 5K Gold Wizard Sponsors: Turning Point School and 8777 Washington Blvd.

(photo is attached to email)

Culver City public school students (from left) Holly MacGaffey, Lila Bragard, Emile Bragard, Milena Reed and Sunny MacGaffey paint the yellow brick road for the Culver City downtown block party's family fun zone, presented by the Culver City Centennial and Screenland 5K. Heart of Screenland themed activities including a 3-D Emerald City photo exhibit and movie-themed street painters will be featured in the fun zone, Sept. 24, 12:30 pm to 4 p.m.

Photo by Karim Sahli