Remembering when Leavenworths Arlene Wagner Was on Conan OBrien

Arlene Wagner, curator of the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, starred as Conan O'Brien's first guest during his TBS premiere on November 8, 2010. She won her spot through a "rigged" poll on TeamCoco. com, beating out celebrities like The Pope and Justin Bieber. At 99 years old, Wagner continues to captivate over 40,000 visitors annually at her museum, which houses the largest nutcracker collection globally, featuring 9,000 pieces. Wagner fondly recalled her time on the show, describing it as a delightful experience with excellent accommodations and friendly staff.

Conan O'Brien's stint on TBS lasted until spring 2021, after which he shifted his focus to podcasting with "Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend. " The Nutcracker Museum, located at 735 Front Street in downtown Leavenworth, is highly recommended as a bucket-list destination. Visitors can explore the extensive and unique collection that reflects Wagner's passion for nutcrackers. Arlene Wagner's journey from a local curator to a national TV guest showcases the charm of small-town attractions.