Wicked auction bidding

There's no denying the lasting popularity of the 1939 MGM movie classic "The Wizard of Oz."

Just visit our own annual "Wizard of Oz" festival each September here in Northwest Indiana and you're quickly reminded of the fan devotion to this legendary film that starred Judy Garland, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, Ray Bolger and Margaret Hamilton.

And when it comes to serious collectors and movie memorabilia, it seems money is no object.

Last year, Profiles in History Auction House in Calabasas Hills, Calif., sold the original costume for the Cowardly Lion character, worn by Lahr in the film (made of REAL lion pelts!) for $805,000.

Now, the auction house's owner Joe Maddalena has just announced he's sold one of the original Winkie guard costumes, which were the frowning green-faced meanies who were the soldiers of the Wicked Witch of the West, for $115,000.

The buyer's name wasn't revealed.

But someone is going to have a great Halloween this year.

Bingo book bidding

This Friday is one of my favorite local charity events.

"Black Tie Bingo" is the annual benefit for The Caring Place, the nonprofit organization serving Lake, Porter and Starke counties to provide shelter, support and awareness education for domestic violence victims and issues.

The event is at 6:30 p.m. at Strongbow Inn Banquet Center, 2405 E. U.S. 30.

Enjoy hors d'oeuvres and desserts while playing bingo for prizes along with a silent auction and cash bar. Cost is $75 per person. Call (219) 464-0840, ext. 100.

And this year, there's a special silent auction lot themed with my new book "More From the Farm: Family Recipes and Memories of a Lifetime" (2007 Pediment Press $29.95). Caring Place Executive Director Mary Beth Schultz, of Valparaiso, who shot to recipe fame one year ago when she competed as a national finalist in the Pillsbury Bake-Off, dreamed up the following auction lot titled: "Out to lunch!" -- Enjoy lunch with Times columnist Philip Potempa and Pillsbury Bakeoff finalist Mary Beth Schultz. And have one of your favorite recipes featured in The Times in a future "From the Farm" column. Special bonus! You will receive an autographed copy of the rare original "From the Farm" out-of-print cookbook by Philip Potempa along with his newest cookbook "More from the Farm." Also, you'll take home one dozen frozen turkey pot pies from Strongbow Turkey Inn, just in time for Mother's Day!

Summer concert update

For the readers who e-mailed requesting the latest summer concert schedule for the Tinley Park, Ill., outdoor theater space, now named the First Midwest Bank Amphitheater, here's what I have, along with ticket price ranges:

Alan Jackson with Brooks and Dunn at 8 p.m. June 2 ($50-$670); Gwen Stefani 8 p.m. June 8 ($33-$640); Def Leppard 7 p.m. June 30 ($56-$570); Jimmy Buffett 7 p.m. July 21($80-$1025); Kenny Chesney 7 p.m. Aug. 11 ($58-$950); Brad Paisley 8 p.m. Aug.26 ($54-$575) and Toby Keith 8 p.m. Sept. 15 ($54-$640).

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at ppotempa@nwitimes.com or 219.852.4327.

celebBirthdays

Munchkin actor Lewis Croft ("The Wizard of Oz") is 88. Actor Theodore Bikel ("Moulin Rouge") is 83. Actor John Neville ("The Adventures of Baron Munchausen" "The XFiles") is 82. Chicago actor Bruce Glover ("Diamonds are Forever," father of Crispin Glover) is 75. Singer Engelbert Humperdinck is 71. Country singer R.C. Bannon and fashion model Bianca Jagger are 62. Singer Lesley Gore is 61. Actress Jo Ann Pflugg ("Match Game") is 60. Country singer Larry Gatlin is 59. Singer Lou Gramm of Foreigner is 57. Actress Christine Baranski is 55. R&B singer Angela Bofill is 53. Actress Elizabeth Berridge ("The John Larroquette Show") and country singer Ty Herndon are 45. TV Hostess Jodi Applegate ("Later Today") is 43. Actress Katherine Willis (Joanne Street on TV's "Friday Night Lights") is 36. Wrestler-actor The Rock is 35. Actress Jenna Von Oy ("Blossom")

is 30. Actress Kay Panabaker ("Summerland") is 17.