Officials in Chesterton, Ind., want their citizens to rest assured that the heavy metal rocker and his Ozzfest crew will not be making an appearance at the town’s Wizard Of Oz Festival, despite rumors they would be.

The 21st annual event takes over the streets of Chesterton September 20-22.

A release from the Chamber of Commerce said an appearance from Ozzy “would not be appropriate” for a community celebration based on “family values.” A bit of an irony considering family values advocate former Vice President Dan Quayle gave Ozzy’s wildly popular TV show “The Osbournes” the thumbs up.

“I think there are some very good lessons there that are being transmitted, of not doing drugs, of not doing alcohol,” Quayle said about “The Osbournes.”

Despite what the Chesterton Chamber of Commerce may say about the prospect of Ozzy showing up at the Oz Fest, the townsfolk seem to be enjoying the buzz the rumor has generated.

“It’s like a party atmosphere,” said Chesterton festival founder Jean Nelson. “Teenagers will be roaming around the fest looking for him. We could actually make a contest of it.”

Just imagine how much more confusing it would be if this were all taking place in Australia – the real land of Oz.

In other all things Ozzy, the rocker is being credited with saving a Pennsylvania coal miner from being one of those stuck during the three-day ordeal at the Quecreek Mine.

The 22-year old miner, Roger Shaffer, skipped work July 24 to catch the rescheduled Ozzfest date at the Post-Gazette Pavilion in Burgettstown and consequently escaped being one of the nine trapped.