Jamie Thomas

Landau Public Relations

216-912-2864

jthomas@landaupr.com

A CHRISTMAS STORY HOUSE INC. BECOMES AN OHIO-BASED COMPANY, CONSOLIDATES WAREHOUSE OPERATIONS TO NEW NORTH OLMSTED LOCATION AND HIRES NEW WAREHOUSE LOGISTICS MANAGER  

CLEVELAND – April 30, 2008 – In the holiday off-season, A Christmas Story House & Museum has been busy making some business changes. Owner Brian Jones, a San Diego-based entrepreneur who restored the Cleveland house used in the holiday classic “A Christmas Story” to its original movie appearance and opened it for tours in 2006, has closed his San Diego warehouse and consolidated all operations of his leg lamp company and online gift shop for A Christmas Story House & Museum to one Cleveland-area warehouse.

 

A Christmas Story House & Museum will close its current Garfield Heights warehouse and move into a larger warehouse space in North Olmsted in May 2008. The new warehouse is 5,700 square feet and located at 31379 Lorain Road. The new warehouse will be the sole supplier of all memorabilia and merchandise associated with A Christmas Story House & Museum.

 

With this move, Jones has changed the articles of incorporation to make A Christmas Story House Inc. (formerly Red Rider Leg Lamps) an Ohio-based company. The company currently employs 10 paid employees year-round plus seasonal help in the house, museum and gift shop in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood and its suburban warehouse.

 

“Basically, everything associated with A Christmas Story House & Museum and the leg lamp business is in Ohio except for me,” said Jones, who makes frequent trips to Cleveland but continues to reside with his family in California. “We realized that we were outgrowing our previous locations and decided that with the growing success we should relocate to a bigger warehouse as well as move the whole corporation to Cleveland. Opening the new warehouse will allow us an opportunity to really focus on expanding our services as well as our staff.” 

 

To head the warehouse logistics in the new North Olmsted location, A Christmas Story House & Museum has hired Josh Dickerson. A Cleveland native, Dickerson is responsible for day-to-day operations and planning, directing and coordinating the storage and distribution functions of the warehouse. Prior to working at A Christmas Story House, Dickerson was the building maintenance mechanic for a property management company in Parma. He lives in North Olmsted with his wife Angi and their four children.

 

A Christmas Story House & Museum is located just five minutes from downtown Cleveland at 3159 W. 11^th St. in the Tremont neighborhood. It is open year-round. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children (ages 6 to 12). For more information or for directions, visit www.AChristmasStoryHouse.com or call 216-298-4919.

 

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CONTACT:

                                                                                                            Emily Vincent

                                                                                                            Landau Public Relations

                                                                                                            216-912-2848

                                                                                                            evincent@landaupr.com

 

 

HOUSE FROM “A CHRISTMAS STORY” CELEBRATES ITS GRAND OPENING IN CLEVELAND

 

The home featured in 1983 holiday film officially opens its doors to guests

 

 

CLEVELAND – Nov. 25, 2006 – It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Cleveland as fans from across the country today celebrated the grand opening of A Christmas Story House.

 

The home used in the 1983 film “A Christmas Story” has been renovated to its original movie appearance and was unveiled by its owner, Brian Jones, along with several actors from the film, including Ian Petrella (Randy), Scott Schwartz (Flick), Tedde Moore (Miss Shields), Zack Ward (Scut Farkus), Yano Anaya (Grover Dill), Patty Johnson (Head Elf) and Drew Hocevar (Male Elf).

 

The grand opening ceremony culminated with the lighting of the leg lamp. The infamous leg lamp, displayed prominently in the front window, serves as a beacon drawing “A Christmas Story” fans to the house. The new pop culture destination and tourist attraction is expected to receive 3,000 to 4,000 visitors in its opening weekend.

 

Jones, 30, of San Diego, purchased the home – sight unseen – in an eBay auction without ever having been to Ohio. A former Navy intelligence officer, Jones is a huge fan of “A Christmas Story” and sells leg lamps (just like the one in the movie) for a living through his online site www.RedRiderLegLamps.com.

 

Jones purchased the 111-year-old house for $150,000 on Feb. 1, 2005, and spent an additional $240,000 for the restoration work that started in January 2006 with most of the money coming from sales of his leg lamp business. He also purchased the house across the street to serve as the museum for $129,000. The museum features original props from the film, including Randy’s “I-can’t-put-my-arms-down” snowsuit.

 

The 1983 holiday film starred the late Darren McGavin as The Old Man and Peter Billingsley as Ralphie who famously pleaded for a Red Ryder BB gun, although everyone assured him he would only shoot his eye out. The film became a holiday favorite years after its theatrical release and is celebrated annually on cable with a daylong marathon.

 

A Christmas Story House is located just five minutes from downtown Cleveland at 3159 W. 11^th Street in the Tremont neighborhood. It is open year-round.   For more information or directions, visit www.AChristmasStoryHouse.com or call 216-298-4919.

 

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Christmas Inspiration

Given its childlike charm and hilarious adventures, it’s no wonder that the film has been treasured by its fans. What may be surprising is how much of an impact the film had after its release.

• In addition to the 1994 sequel, the creators of the sitcom “The Wonder Years” explained that they got their inspiration for their show from “A Christmas Story.”
• “A Christmas Story” is one of the favorite films of “South Park” creator Trey Parker. Parker used the inspiration of notorious bully Scut Farkus to create Scott Tenorman, the bully from “South Park.”
• New fans of the classic are added every year as TBS airs its 24-hour marathon of the film. In 2005, more than 45.4 million viewers tuned in to watch the film.

 

Where Are They Now?

The stars of “A Christmas Story” have gone in many different directions following their time on Cleveland Street. Here is a look at what some of the stars have been up to.

• Peter Billingsley (Ralphie) has continued to work in Hollywood and has had roles in recent films including “Elf” with Will Ferrell and  the 2006 comedy hit “The Break-Up” with Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston, for which he was also a producer. He is executive producer of “Iron Man” (to be released May 2008) starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow and Terrence Howard.
• Ian Petrella (Randy) attended puppeteering school and has a passion for puppets and animation, which he hopes to continue professionally.
• Melinda Dillon (Mrs. Parker) has appeared in more than 30 films and television series following her work on “A Christmas Story.” Most recently, she had a role in the 2007 film “Reign Over Me” with Adam Sandler and Don Cheadle.
• Zack Ward (Scut Farkus) has continued acting and has roles in a variety of upcoming and recently released films, including the 2007 summer blockbuster “Transformers.” He also has appeared in hit shows such as “Lost,” “Deadwood” and “NYPD Blue.”

 

One-Liners

Do you remember the classic lines from “A Christmas Story?” The lasting effect of the film is most often seen in the hilarious quotes that fans of the film can rattle off to this day.

• “Only I didn’t say ‘Fudge.’ I said THE word, the big one, the queen-mother of dirty words, the “F-dash-dash-dash” word!” – Adult Ralphie narrating the event which led to his “blindness.”
• “Fra-GEE-lay. That must be Italian.” – The Old Man upon receiving his “major award.”
• “Only one thing in the world could’ve dragged me away from the soft glow of electric sex gleaming in the window.” – Adult Ralphie explaining why he finally stepped away from the major award.
• “Now I know that some of you put Flick up to this, but he has refused to say who. But those who did it know their blame, and I’m sure that the guilt you must feel would be far worse than any punishment you might receive. Now, don’t you feel terrible? Don’t you feel remorse for what you have done? Well, that’s all I’m going to say about poor Flick.” – Miss Shields following the triple dog-dare incident.
• “Meatloaf, smeatloaf, double-beatloaf. I hate meatloaf.” – Randy discussing his distaste for the menu just before showing his mother how a little piggy eats.
• “He looks like a deranged Easter bunny.” – The Old Man after seeing Ralphie wearing his Christmas gift from Aunt Clara.

 

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Media Contact

Jamie Thomas, Landau Public Relations

216-912-2864 or jthomas@landaupr.com

�

A Christmas Story House & Museum

Fact Sheet

 

Overview

The house used in the popular holiday classic “A Christmas Story” has been restored to its original 1983 movie appearance. Purchased and renovated by Brian Jones, a true fan of the movie who sells leg lamps for a living, the house takes visitors on a nostalgic journey to the sights and scenes where Ralphie Parker dreams of receiving a genuine Red Ryder carbine-action, 200-shot, range model Air Rifle for Christmas.

 

In addition to A Christmas Story House, visitors can explore the museum and gift shop, where items from the movie are on display, more than 100 behind-the-scenes photos are featured and movie-related memorabilia can be purchased.

 

Location

A Christmas Story House is located in Cleveland, just five minutes from downtown in the Tremont neighborhood. Just look for the leg lamp in the front living room window (it’s a major award).

 

A Christmas Story House                      

3159 W. 11^th St.

Cleveland, OH  44109

Phone: 216-298-4919

Web site: www.AChristmasStoryHouse.com

 

Directions

From downtown Cleveland: Take Interstate 90 West. Exit at W. 14^th Street. Turn left onto Clark Avenue. Turn right onto W. 11^th Street.

 

From Interstate 71 or State Route 176/Jennings Freeway: Head north. Exit at W. 14^th Street. Follow the round-about and take W. 14^th Street North. Turn right onto Rowley Avenue. Rowley Avenue ends at W. 11^th Street at A Christmas Story House.

 

House and Museum Hours

A Christmas Story House is open year-round. Hours of operation of the house and its museum are:

Thursday – Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.              

Sunday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

* From Nov. 1 – Jan. 15, open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* Closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day                                        

Tour Directions

Admission tickets to A Christmas Story House can be purchased at the gift shop located directly across the street from the house. Tours are conducted every half-hour. Advance tickets are not necessary. Group tours and rates are available. All tours start at the museum.

 

General Admission

Adults: $7

Children 7 to 12: $5

Children 6 & Under: Free

Senior: $6                    

                                   

Media Contact

Jamie Thomas, Landau Public Relations

216-912-2864 or jthomas@landaupr.com

 

# # #

Brian Jones
Owner
A Christmas Story House & Museum

 

The path that has led 31-year-old Brian Jones from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis to “that little house on Cleveland Street” is a result of his love for his favorite movie, “A Christmas Story.” Last Thanksgiving, the ongoing relationship between Jones and his favorite film took on a whole new meaning with the opening of A Christmas Story House.

A Christmas Story House takes visitors on a nostalgic journey to the sights and scenes of the classic Christmas film. In addition to A Christmas Story House, visitors can explore the museum where items from the movie are on display, more than 100 behind-the-scenes photos are featured and movie-related memorabilia can be purchased.  

A San Diego native, Jones had always dreamed of becoming a naval aviator like his father. After graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy with a degree in aerospace engineering, he went on to flight school. Once he arrived, however, he learned that he did not have the sight requirements to achieve his dream and become a pilot.

Obviously downtrodden by the sobering news, Jones’ parents decided they had just the thing to cheer him up. A couple of weeks after the unfortunate news, Jones received a large wooden crate marked “FRAGILE.” When he opened it, he found the infamous leg lamp from “A Christmas Story” inside. His parents made him a leg lamp (the “major award” from the film) to help deal with the disappointment of not becoming a navy pilot.

The film was a family favorite, and Jones’ parents had such a good recollection of the lamp that they actually recreated one. While it was a difficult and time-consuming task, it also was a humorous project for the Jones’. After sending it to their son, they told him of the significant interest that the lamp received and the fact that many people requested one for themselves.

After he left the Navy to pursue a new career, Jones was forced to make a decision about what he would do next. Struggling with the possibility of having to move to the East Coast for a corporate job, Jones remembered the comment from his parents about how popular the leg lamp had been. Jones set out to figure out a way to turn this interest into a realistic business. On April 9, 2003, RedRiderLegLamps.com – a largely online venture that sells replica leg lamps – was launched.

In the second year of RedRiderLeglamps.com, Jones’ wife e-mailed him while on deployment in the Middle East. Her captain had alerted her to the fact that the house used in “A Christmas Story” was up for sale on eBay. She thought she would just send a funny e-mail about how he should buy it. For Jones it wasn’t funny – it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

In a move that any fan could appreciate, Jones told the seller that if he took the house off the market that he would pay $150,000 for it. As quick as a tongue will stick to a metal pole in the winter, the deal was done. Within 24 hours the house was his, and Jones flew to Cleveland for the first time ever to sign the papers.

Since its opening on Nov. 25, 2006, more than 36,000 people have toured A Christmas Story House, making it a top tourist and pop culture destination in Cleveland.  

# # #

A Christmas Story House & Museum

Fact Sheet

 

Overview

The house used in the popular holiday classic “A Christmas Story” has been restored to its original 1983 movie appearance. Purchased and renovated by Brian Jones, a true fan of the movie who sells leg lamps for a living, the house takes visitors on a nostalgic journey to the sights and scenes where Ralphie Parker dreams of receiving a genuine Red Ryder carbine-action, 200-shot, range model Air Rifle for Christmas.

 

In addition to A Christmas Story House, visitors can explore the museum and gift shop, where items from the movie are on display, more than 100 behind-the-scenes photos are featured and movie-related memorabilia can be purchased.

 

Location

A Christmas Story House is located in Cleveland, just five minutes from downtown in the Tremont neighborhood. Just look for the leg lamp in the front living room window (it’s a major award).

 

A Christmas Story House                 

3159 W. 11^th St.

Cleveland, OH  44109

Phone: 216-298-4919

Web site: www.AChristmasStoryHouse.com

 

Directions

From downtown Cleveland: Take Interstate 90 West. Exit at W. 14^th Street. Turn left onto Clark Avenue. Turn right onto W. 11^th Street.

 

From Interstate 71 or State Route 176/Jennings Freeway: Head north. Exit at W. 14^th Street. Follow the round-about and take W. 14^th Street North. Turn right onto Rowley Avenue. Rowley Avenue ends at W. 11^th Street at A Christmas Story House.

 

House and Museum Hours

A Christmas Story House is open year-round. Hours of operation of the house and its museum are:

Thursday – Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.               

Sunday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

* From Nov. 1 – Jan. 15, open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* Closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day                                    

Tour Directions

Admission tickets to A Christmas Story House can be purchased at the gift shop located directly across the street from the house. Tours are conducted every half-hour. Advance tickets are not necessary. Group tours and rates are available. All tours start at the museum.

 

General Admission

Adults: $7

Children 7 to 12: $5

Children 6 & Under: Free

Senior: $6                    

                                   

Media Contact

Jamie Thomas, Landau Public Relations

216-912-2864 or jthomas@landaupr.com

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

  

For more information:  www.achristmasstoryhouse.com

                                               

 

FIRST “A CHRISTMAS STORY” CONVENTION SET FOR THANKSGIVING WEEKEND

 

Two-day event to feature actors, “Chinese Turkey” dinner and unveiling

of 1937 Oldsmobile and chalkboard used in the movie;

One “Ralphie Parker” look alike to be chosen for national promotion

 

 

Cleveland, Ohio (October 30, 2007) – “A Christmas Story” House & Museum in Tremont, and the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel have announced plans for the first “A Christmas Story” Convention, set for Friday and Saturday, November 23 and 24, 2007.

 

Original actors from “A Christmas Story” will be on hand to greet fans and sign autographs, including Ian Petrella (Randy), Scott Schwartz (Flick), Zack Ward (Scut Farkus), Yano Anaya (Grover Dill), Tedde Moore (Miss Shields), and Patty Johnson and Drew Hocevar (the two evil elves).  The family car used in the film, a 1937 Oldsmobile Touring Sedan, will be debuted, and Moore will host a special unveiling of the chalkboard on which Miss Shields wrote “A ++++” in her classroom.

 

Daisy Outdoor Products is offering a special incentive for children 10 and older who enter the convention’s character look-alike contest dressed as Ralphie Parker.  The makers of the Daisy Red Ryder BB Gun, based in Rogers, Arkansas will choose one winner from the top five “Ralphies” to appear on the packaging of a special edition BB gun, with “a compass in the stock and this thing which tells time” (a sundial) in honor of the “A Christmas Dream” Red Ryder BB gun which was produced in 1983 and used in the movie.  Along with the prestige of posing as Ralphie, the winner will receive $100, their very own Red Ryder Range Model Air Rifle and a Leg Lamp.  Daisy officials anticipate choosing the winner by early January and conducting the photo shoot in Cleveland in February or March.   

 

The character look-alike contest will be judged by Petrella (“Randy”) and Schwartz (“Flick”).  Winners in all character categories will win Leg Lamps and other “major awards.”

 

Other convention events include a “Chinese Turkey Dinner” with the actors at C&Y Chinese Restaurant, tours of “A Christmas Story” House & Museum, a BB gun shooting range,

 

 

Continued on page 2…

screenings of the movie, and the Cleveland Winterfest parade and fireworks.  The Renaissance, which will host most of the convention activities, is offering packages that include deluxe accommodations and buffet breakfast for two, complimentary parking, tickets to “A Christmas Story” House & Museum with free roundtrip trolley transportation, and in-room screenings of the movie.  A similar weekend package is available after the Convention through February 3.  For more information on the packages, call the Renaissance at 1-800-228-9290 and ask for promotional code H09

 

A panel discussion will take place on Saturday afternoon with Brian Jones, owner of “A Christmas Story” House & Museum, and filmmakers Deren Abram and Tyler Schwartz.   Abram is the producer of ClarkWORLD, a documentary about his long-time friend and mentor, the late Bob Clark, who co-wrote and directed “A Christmas Story.”   Schwartz and Jordie Smits, natives of St. Catharines, Ontario, are making a documentary, “Road Trip for Ralphie” which chronicles their quest to visit all of the film’s shooting locations from Cleveland to Canada, including the Victoria School in St. Catharines.  A key scene involves the two fans salvaging the chalkboard from Miss Shields’ classroom on the day the building was gutted for remodeling. 

 

The Renaissance will be the site of the character look-alike contest, the chalkboard unveiling, panel discussion and two meet-and-greet sessions with the actors.  There is no admission charge for these events.  There will be fees for autographs (as determined by the actors), and tickets for the dinner at C&Y are $45 for adults and $22.50 for children.  Complete convention details, including how to purchase tickets for the dinner, are available online at www.achristmasstoryhouse.com.   Fans can also call the House Thursday-Sunday at 216-298-4919, and Wednesdays beginning November 7 for more information. 

 

  Lolly the Trolley is offering round-trip transportation from the Renaissance and Tremont’s Clark Fields to the House on Friday, Nov. 23 and Saturday, Nov. 24.  Trips depart every half hour and round-trip tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children from the Hotel, and $1 (adults and children) from Clark Fields near Clark and W. 7^th Str. in Tremont.   Executive Director Steve Siedlecki emphasized that parking near the House is very limited and encourages fans to take advantage of the ample parking downtown and at Clark Fields and travel by Trolley.

 

 “A Christmas Story” House & Museum will be open from 10 am to 5 pm on Friday, Nov. 23, 10 am to 8 pm on Saturday, Nov. 24 and noon to 5 pm on Sunday, Nov. 25.  Regular admission rates of $7 for adults, $6 for seniors (ages 60+), and $5 for children (ages 7-12) will apply.  Children ages 6 and under are admitted for free.  

 

“A Christmas Story” House is the house used as the family home in the 1983 holiday classic film, now shown annually as part of a 24-hour Christmas marathon on TBS.  Set in December 1940, the movie follows the trials and tribulations of 9-year-old Ralphie Parker who desperately wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas.  Every adult he encounters, including Santa Claus, rebukes his request with the ominous warning, “You’ll shoot your eye out.”  The movie, based on stories from Jean Shepherd’s book, “In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash,” stars Peter Billingsley as Ralphie and the late Darren McGavin as the Old Man. 

 

            San Diego native Brian Jones purchased the 110-year-old house in 2004 and restored the former duplex to its “movie splendor,” both inside and out.  It opened for tours in November 2006 and has welcomed nearly 40,000 guests.  The House, with its accompanying Museum and Gift Shop, is open for tours year round Thursdays – Sundays, and Wednesdays – Sundays in November and December.  It is located at 3159 W. 11^th Street in Cleveland’s historic Tremont district.

 

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Convention schedule attached (two pages)

 

 

Convention Schedule

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2007

10 AM - 5 PM: Actors from “A Christmas Story” to meet and greet fans and sign autographs at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel.

10 AM - 5 PM: “A Christmas Story” House & Museum open with BB gun range in the back yard.

2 PM: Unveiling of the Parker Family Car that caused Ralphie’s “Oh Fudge” incident. Unveiling will take place at “A Christmas Story” House. The car is a 1937 Oldsmobile Touring Sedan.

 7 PM: Chinese Turkey Dinner at C&Y Restaurant with the actors. 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2007

10 AM: “A Christmas Story” House & Museum opens with extended hours, and BB gun range in the back yard.

10 AM: First Lolly the Trolley trip departs from the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel.  Trolley departs every half hour. Round trip trolley tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children.

10AM: First Lolly the Trolley shuttle departs from Clark Fields.  Round trip shuttle tickets are $1 per person.

10AM - 12 NOON: Exclusive actors meet-and-greet session.  Open to Renaissance Cleveland Hotel guests only.

12 NOON- 1 PM: Panel discussion: Brian Jones, owner of “A Christmas Story” House & Museum, and filmmakers Deren Abram and Tyler Schwartz.   Abram is the producer of ClarkWORLD, a documentary about his long-time friend and mentor, the late Bob Clark, who co-wrote and directed “A Christmas Story.”   Schwartz is making a documentary, “Road Trip for Ralphie” which chronicles two fans’ quest to visit all of the film’s shooting locations from Cleveland to Canada. 

1 PM - 10 PM: Actors meet-and-greet session in the Grand Ballroom of the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel.  Open to the general public. 

3 PM: Unveiling of the original movie prop chalkboard from Miss Shields’ classroom by Tedde Moore, who played Miss Shields, in the Grand Ballroom of the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel.

4 PM: Character look-a-like contest. Come dressed as your favorite “A Christmas Story” character for a chance to win a Leg Lamp and other prizes. Contest will be judged by “Randy” and “Flick.”  The top five children dressed as Ralphie will have their picture submitted to Daisy Outdoor Products for consideration to star as Ralphie on a Daisy Red Ryder BB-gun package for the 25th Anniversary of “A Christmas Story” in 2008. Daisy Outdoor Products will choose the winner in early January and plans a photo shoot in Cleveland in February or March.

 

 

 

5 PM: Last Lolly the Trolley trip departs from “A Christmas Story” House for the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel and Clark Fields.  Trolley departs every half hour.

6:30 PM: Winterfest tree-lighting ceremony, parade, and fireworks show. Winterfest events take place in Public Square in front of the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel.

8 PM: “A Christmas Story” House & Museum close for the day.

10 PM: Actors meet-and-greet session closes.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2007

12 NOON - 5 PM: “A Christmas Story” House & Museum open.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                  

                                                                                                        

 

BOB CLARK KILLED IN CAR ACCIDENT

 

“A Christmas Story” director Clark and son hit by drunk driver in Los Angeles

 

CLEVELAND – April 4, 2007 – The director of the 1983 holiday classic “A Christmas Story,” Bob Clark and his son were killed early this morning in a car accident in Los Angeles.

 

Clark, 67, and his son Ariel Hanrath-Clark, 22, of Santa Monica were killed when their car was hit head-on by an SUV driven by a 24-year-old man who was later arrested for being under the influence of alcohol.  The driver and his female passenger were both seriously injured.

 

“It’s a tragic day for all of us who knew and loved Bob Clark,” said Scott Schwartz, who played “Flick” in “A Christmas Story.”   “He was a wonderful man and I was fortunate that he chose me to be in a project that has become iconic.  I talked to him every day and will really miss him.”  Schwartz said he has spoken with fellow cast members Ian Petrella (Randy) and Yano Anaya (Grover Dill) who were all “devastated” by the news.

 

“Bob was a fun-lovin,’ jelly-roll kinda guy who will be sorely missed,” lamented Schwartz.

 

Steve Siedlecki, executive director of The Christmas Story House in Cleveland, where many of the exterior shots of the family home were filmed, also expressed deep sadness.  “Bob Clark was planning to come to Cleveland in August to see the house and we were all very excited about meeting him.  It’s very sad to think that that will never happen.”  Fans are invited to stop by the Gift Shop and Museum at 1103 Rowley Avenue in Tremont to sign a condolence book that will be sent to Clark’s family. 

 

“A Christmas Story House” is located at 3159 W. 11^th Street in the Tremont area of Cleveland.  The 111-year-old former duplex was purchased in 2004 by San Diego native Brian Jones, who invested nearly $250,000 to renovate and restore the home to its “movie” condition.  Over 30,000 movie fans have visited the House since its grand opening in late November 2006.   The complex, which includes a Museum and Gift Shop across the street, is open year-round on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm and Sundays from noon to 5 pm.  Tours of the house run every half hour with the last tour of the day at 4:30 pm.  For more information, visit www.achristmasstoryhouse.com, or call 216-298-4919.

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                             

 

“DERANGED EASTER BUNNY” TO VISIT CLEVELAND

 

Ralphie’s gift from Aunt Clara finally has a purpose

 

CLEVELAND – March 26, 2007 – Ralphie Parker’s Aunt Clara labored under the illusion that he was perpetually four years old, and a girl.   Aunt Clara’s Christmas gift to Ralphie when he was nine years old was a hand-made pink bunny suit and when he reluctantly tried it on, his father declared, “He looks like a deranged Easter Bunny!”

 

On Saturday, April 7, a deranged Easter Bunny (courtesy of a Christmas Story House associate dressed in an adult-sized version of the “pink nightmare”) will be on hand for photos while handing out Easter treats to guests. 

 

Two prize baskets filled with “A Christmas Story” merchandise, valued at $50-$75 each, will be raffled off.  Tickets will be $1 each or 6 for $5, and can only be purchased at the Gift Shop from now until April 7.  Winners need not be present and the proceeds will support the continued restoration efforts of the property, used in the filming of the 1983 movie, “A Christmas Story.” 

 

Since no holiday with the Parkers would be complete without Chinese food, C & Y Chinese Restaurant will be on hand with “Easter Egg-rolls” for $1, and to keep the family Easter dinner safe from the neighbors’ dogs, turkey-shaped dog biscuits will also be available.

 

“A Christmas Story House” is located at 3159 W. 11^th Street in Tremont.  The 111-year-old former duplex was purchased in 2004 by San Diego native Brian Jones, who invested nearly $250,000 to renovate and restore the home to its “movie” condition.  Over 30,000 movie fans have visited the House since its grand opening in late November 2006.   The complex, which includes a Museum and Gift Shop across the street, is open year-round on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm and Sundays from noon to 5 pm.  Tours of the house run every half hour with the last tour of the day at 4:30 pm.  For more information, visit www.achristmasstoryhouse.com, or call 216-298-4919.

 

###

 

In addition to the house, guests can tour the accompanying museum dedicated to the film. It is located directly across the street from A Christmas Story House at 1103 Rowley Ave. and is where tickets to the house can be purchased and where all tours begin. The museum features more than 100 behind-the-scenes photos and items donated by actors from the movie.

 

The museum features items donated by actors in the movie. Ian Petrella, who portrayed younger brother Randy, has provided his “I-can’t-put-my-arms-down” snowsuit, toy zeppelin and rat from Miss Shields’ drawer. The museum also includes a gift shop where items such as leg lamps, T-shirts, painting, pictures, action figures, Ovaltine, Lifebuoy Soap, secret decoder pins and eventually pink bunny suits are available for purchase.

 

Once it opens on Nov. 25, the house’s hours will be Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. After Jan. 16, 2007, the house will be open Thursdays through Sunday. Admission to A Christmas Story House is $5 for adults and $3 for children. Group discounts are available. The price of admission includes a guided tour of the house and yard and admittance into the accompanying museum.

 

For more information on Foster Contracting, please visit the official Web site at www.fostercontracting.homestead.com, or call 216-631-2551.

 

A Christmas Story House is located just five minutes from downtown Cleveland at 3159 W. 11^th Street in the Tremont neighborhood. For more information or for directions, visit www.AChristmasStoryHouse.com or call 216-298-4919.

 

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