FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A CHRISTMAS STORY HOUSE & MUSEUM HOSTS
A CHRISTMAS STORY CONVENTION IN CLEVELAND

“A Christmas Story” Convention to take place Nov. 26-27

CLEVELAND – Nov 1, 2010 – A Christmas Story House & Museum presents “A Christmas Story” Convention on Nov. 26-27 (Thanksgiving weekend) in Cleveland. The event features a reunion of actors from the movie and numerous other events related to the movie.

“A Christmas Story” Convention will bring “A Christmas Story” fans (known as Ralphies) to Cleveland where many exterior scenes of the movie were filmed. Cleveland is also the location of A Christmas Story House, the home featured in the film that was restored to its original movie appearance and opened to visitors Thanksgiving weekend four years ago. In addition to the Parker family home, guests can tour the museum to see original movie props and costumes, including Randy’s “I-can’t-get-my-arms-down” snowsuit, and visit the gift shop to take home their own major award (a leg lamp) and other movie-related items.

The majority of convention events will take place at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel. Other activities, like taking your best shot at the BB gun range (weather permitting) and rides on the original fire truck from the movie (weather permitting), will occur at A Christmas Story House. The celebration and convention coincides with Winterfest, an annual festival that kicks off the holiday season in Cleveland.

Highlights of this year’s convention include:
· Appearances by seven of the original cast members, 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)
· An after party cocktail reception with the cast members
· A live commentary as the movie plays about the production of A Christmas Story by actor Ian Petrella (Randy)
· The feature of a documentary: “The Untold ‘Christmas Story’” about the making of the movie and the phenomenon it has become
· Character look-a-like parade were fans dress up as their favorite “A Christmas Story” character to win a “Major Award” prize
· Rides in the original fire truck used in the movie from Flick’s famous tongue-on-the-flagpole scene with proceeds benefiting the Chippawa Volunteer Fire Department of Niagara Falls, Ontario, which owns and maintains the fire truck

“A Christmas Story” premiered around Thanksgiving of 1983. It 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.

For more information on “A Christmas Story” Convention,” including a schedule of events, hotel packages and convention tickets, visit www.AChristmasStoryHouse.com.

A Christmas Story House & Museum is located just five minutes from downtown Cleveland at 3159 W. 11th St. in the Tremont neighborhood. It is open year-round on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. From Nov. 24 through Dec. 31, the house is also open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours of the house run every 30 minutes. Regular admission tickets are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $6 for children (ages 7 to 12) and free for children ages 6 and under. For more information or for directions, visit www.AChristmasStoryHouse.com or call 216-298-4919.

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CONTACT:
Angela Dickerson
216-255-6651
adickerson@achristmasstoryhouse.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CA CHRISTMAS STORY HOUSE GOES GRISWOLD AND LAUNCHES NEW RETAIL WEBSITE DEDICATED TO NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION STARRING CHEVY CHASE

CLEVELAND – Sep. 20, 2010- A Christmas Story House announced today it has “Gone Griswold” and launched Christmas Vacation Collectibles, a new e-commerce website at www.ChristmasVacationCollectibles.com dedicated exclusively to collectibles from the holiday classic National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation starring Chevy Chase.

The new site features an array of collectibles and prop replicas from the movie.  Among the items featured on the site are the ever-popular Marty Moose Mugs that Clark Griswold and Cousin Eddie used to toast their eggnog.  Also available are Marty Moose Mug themed shot glasses and key chain ornaments.

“The idea for the site came from last year’s 20^th Anniversary Salute to Christmas Vacation when we A Christmas Story House was decorated Clark Griswold style with thousands of white lights,” said Brian Jones, President and CEO of A Christmas Story House, Inc.  “The Marty Moose Mugs we carried as part of the salute were so popular with fans we decided to carry them and other products permanently on a dedicated site.”

Those looking for apparel will find a variety of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation theme t-shirts and replica Griswold Chicago Blackhawks Jerseys worn by Clark during the movie complete with the name “Griswold” and the numbers “00” across the back.

The site will also soon offer a miniature replica of the Advent House Calendar that was used in the movie to show the passage of time during the Griswold Family Christmas as well as a lighted miniature replica of the Griswold House that Clark decorated with 25,000 lights.

Products on the site are officially licensed through Warner Bros. Consumer Products and the National Hockey League with many of the products being exclusive to the site.

The order fulfillment center for Christmas Vacation Collectibles will be co-located with A Christmas Story Online Gift Shop in North Olmsted, Ohio. (www.AChristmasStoryGiftShop.com)

A Christmas Story House & Museum is located just five minutes from downtown Cleveland, Ohio at 3159 W. 11^th St. in the Tremont neighborhood. It is open year-round on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. For more information or for directions, visit www.AChristmasStoryHouse.com or call 216-298-4919.

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CONTACT:
Angela Dickerson
216-255-6651
adickerson@achristmasstoryhouse.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHRISTMAS STORY HOUSE GETS ONE LEG UP ACQUIRES COMPETITOR

CLEVELAND – Sep. 20, 2010 – A Christmas Story House, Inc. recently acquired the One Leg Up Leg Lamp Company, a leading independent Leg Lamp retailer and manufacturer. Included in the acquisition are the One Leg Up website, all assets and inventory as well as the exclusive right to retail Limited Edition Signature Series Leg Lamps.

The combined company will operate under the A Christmas Story House name and be based out of A Christmas Story House’s Cleveland, Ohio headquarters.

One Leg Up, which was featured in the 20th Anniversary DVD of A Christmas Story, was founded by Joe Egeberg of Daytona Beach and has been retailing and manufacturing Leg Lamps since 1994.  Egeberg is leaving the seasonal leg lamp business to concentrate on his primary business as a broker for Yacht Brokers of Daytona (www.DaytonaYachts.com).

A Christmas Story House will now be the exclusive retailer of Limited Edition Signature Series Leg Lamps which showcase a base plate that is signed by the five kids appearing in A Christmas Story: Ralphie (Peter Billingsley), Randy (Ian Petrella), Flick (Scott Schwartz), Schwartz (R.D. Robb), and Scut Farcus (Zack Ward). All signatures are original and are signed above the engraved name of the actor and the character they played. Each lamp comes with a certificate of authenticity and Major Award certificate.

“Joe Egeberg and I have both shared an affinity for the fun business of being leg lamp salesmen,” said Brian Jones, President and CEO of A Christmas Story House, Inc.  “One Leg Up was the original manufacturer of replica leg lamps and we are happy to have their tradition of originality and excellence become part of A Christmas Story House.”

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 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. For more information or for directions, visit www.AChristmasStoryHouse.com or call 216-298-4919. A Christmas Story Online Gift carries a wide array of memorabilia and collectibles related to A Christmas Story. For more information, visit www.AChristmasStoryGiftShop.com or call 216-255-6651.

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CONTACT:
Angela Dickerson
216-255-6651
adickerson@achristmasstoryhouse.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RANDY COMES HOME TO A CHRISTMAS STORY HOUSE FOR THE SUMMER

CLEVELAND – May 20, 2010 – A Christmas Story House will have a special guest this summer.  Actor Ian Petrella, who played Ralphie’s little brother Randy in the holiday classic A Christmas Story, will “come home” to live in A Christmas Story House and serve as its tour guide.  Ian’s “homecoming” will be during the months of July and August.  Ian will serve as a special tour guide interacting with visitors and recounting his firsthand experiences at the house during the filming of the movie in 1983.

Fans of the movie will remember little brother Randy for his I-can’t-put-my-arms-down snowsuit, his role as Mommy’s little piggy and his hiding place under the sink when “Daddy’s going to kill Ralphie!”

“I am really looking forward to meeting and interacting with the fans,” Petrella said.  “I hope that by being there I can make their trip to the house more memorable and special, even if that means crawling back under the kitchen sink to help them relive the movie.”

Petrella, 35, of Los Angeles, was only eight during the filming of the movie but remembers the experience vividly.  After acting, Petrella transitioned to a career in puppetry and animation.  An early supporter of A Christmas Story House, Petrella was the first to loan items to the museum, participated in the grand opening of the house and has returned to Cleveland several times to appear at A Christmas Story conventions and other house-related events.

In addition to giving tours, Ian also will write a blog about his experiences living in A Christmas Story House on www.AChristmasStoryHouse.com. Ian is available for interviews both on and off site to discuss his return to A Christmas Story House, memories of making the movie and his endeavors since.

A Christmas Story House & Museum through a licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Consumer Products operates both as a venue and retailer of officially licensed merchandise and is located just five minutes from downtown Cleveland at 3159 W. 11^th St. in the Tremont neighborhood. It is open year-round on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Tours of the house run every 30 minutes. Regular admission tickets are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $6 for children (ages 7 to 12) and free for children ages 6 and under. For more information or for directions, visit www.AChristmasStoryHouse.com or call 216-298-4919.

Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.

CONTACT:
Angela Dickerson
216-255-6651
adickerson@achristmasstoryhouse.com

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“This is by-far my favorite Christmas movie,” says Jeffrey. “I have the leg lamp and I get tons of compliments on it each year when I put it out!” Jeffrey, who will bring along his younger sister and her husband, is excited to re-live all of the classic scenes from his favorite movie in the actual house. In addition, they plan on making this visit their Christmas celebration because work schedules have them apart over the holiday.

All of the proceeds from this ten-day eBay auction, which started at $1.00 and ended with a winning bid of $4,200, are going to the Cleveland Scholarship Programs (CSP). The CSP helps families, children and adults in the Northeast Ohio region return to college by providing access to postsecondary education through scholarships and academic advising. During the 2008-2009 school year the CSP assisted 19,763 students through their advisory services.

WHAT: The winning bidder received:

· 1 Day, 1 Night stay for four (4) in a suite at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel

· 2 Day, 2 Night accommodations for four (4) at A Christmas Story House

· Chinese Turkey dinner for four (4)

· Dinner for four (4) at John Q’s Steakhouse

· Guest Appearance on the Lanigan and Malone Show

· Admission for four (4) to “Holly”wood Christmas Movieland

· Admission for four (4) to The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

· Admission for four (4) to The Cleveland Bontanical Garden

· $200 shopping spree in A Christmas Story House Gift Shop

WHEN: Please contact Jodi O’Neill or Jill Wallenstein to schedule media interviews. Billy Jeffrey will be in   town from Sunday, December 21^st – Wednesday, December 23^rd, 2009.

WHERE: Interviews to take place at A Christmas Story House & Museum 3159 W 11th Street Cleveland, OH 44109

CONTACT: Jodi O’Neill

Landau Public Relations

216.912.2855

joneill@landaupr.com

Jill Wallenstein

Landau Public Relations

216.912.2847

jwallenstein@landaupr.com

WIN A CHANCE TO LIVE OUT A HOLIDAY FANTASY

A Christmas Story Experience Charity Auction

A Christmas Story House & Museum

Cleveland Scholarships Programs

http://www.achristmasstoryhouse.com/index.php/ebay-auction/

WHO:

“A Tribute to the Original, Traditional, One-Hundred-Percent, Red-Blooded, Two-Fisted, All-American Christmas…” is now yours for the bidding. A Christmas Story House & Museum (www.achristmasstoryhouse.com), in partnership with Jimmy Malone of Cleveland’s “Lanigan and Malone Show” on Majic 105.7, invite the winning bidder and three guests to spend two days reliving their favorite moments from the cult classic A Christmas Story at the original A Christmas Story House in Cleveland, Ohio! This special once in-a-lifetime experience is being offered exclusively through this auction, with all proceeds from the charity auction going to the Cleveland Scholarship Programs.

The Cleveland Scholarship is Northeast Ohio’s only regional resource promoting educational awareness and opportunity to enrich our community and prepare the workforce of tomorrow. Cleveland Scholarship Programs has a vital role in transforming Northeast Ohio from a manufacturing-based to a knowledge-based economy.

WHAT:

1 Day, 1 Night stay for four (4) in a suite at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel

2 Day, 2 Night accommodations for four (4) at A Christmas Story House

Chinese Turkey dinner for four (4)

Dinner for four (4) at John Q’s Steakhouse

Guest Appearance on the Lanigan and Malone Show

Admission for four (4) to “Holly”wood Christmas Movieland

Admission for four (4) to The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Admission for four (4) to the Cleveland Botanical Garden

$200 shopping spree in A Christmas Story House Gift Shop

WHEN:

Charity auction begins: Tuesday, December 1^st, 2009

Charity auction ends: Friday, December 11^th, 2009

Winners visit runs: Sunday, December 20^th – Wednesday, December 23^rd, 2009

WHERE:

Place your bids at http://www.achristmasstoryhouse.com/index.php/ebay-auction/

CONTACTS:

Jill Wallenstein
Landau Public Relations
216.912.2847
jwallenstein@landaupr.com
http://www.achristmasstoryhouse.com

Christine Jindra
Cleveland Scholarship Fund
>216.241.5587 ext. 127
216.870.8577 (cell)
cjindra@cspohio.org
www.cspohio.org

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Plug-in 25,000 Twinkle Lights at A Christmas Story House & Museum

Send a photo of your Clark Griswold-like decorating skills, and win a trip to light the home used in filming A Christmas Story, celebrating two Christmas classics at once.

CLEVELAND (October 26, 2009) – “Is your house on fire, Clark?“ “No, Aunt Bethany, those are Christmas lights.”

Everyone knows someone like Clark Griswold, the goofy-but-lovable dad, played by Chevy Chase, in the 1989 movie, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Clark’s mission to create a memorable family Christmas, which included stapling his home with 25,000 twinkle lights, became a pop-culture symbol for the friend, family member or neighbor who decorates in over-the-top Clark Griswold fashion each year.

This holiday season marks the 20^th anniversary of the quirky Christmas classic and to commemorate, the actual house used in the filming of another favorite holiday movie, A Christmas Story, will be decorated with 25,000 twinkle lights. The person who most represents the Clark Griswold approach to Christmas can win a chance to ceremoniously plug-in the lights. Brian Jones, owner of the Cleveland-located A Christmas Story House & Museum (www.AChristmasStoryHouse.com), said, “It’s classics like Christmas Vacation and A Christmas Story that everyone loves most, because it reminds them of the less-than-perfect, but still endearing, people in their lives who will do anything to make the holidays special for those they love.” He added, “In this spirit, we want to celebrate the people out there who strive each year to go big for the love of the holiday season.”

The Griswold Contest

From now until November 13, 2009, contestants can email photos or a YouTube video link of a home that they have decorated in true Griswold fashion to griswoldcontest@achristmasstoryhouse.com along with a description, in 200 words or less, of how they feel they reflect the spirit of Clark Griswold at Christmas. One lucky winner will win the opportunity to come to A Christmas Story House & Museum in Cleveland to officially plug-in the lights on Saturday, November 21, 2009. Included for the winner and a guest are: $1000 in travel expense; a 2-night stay at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel; an exclusive, guided tour of the Museum, by owner Brian Jones including a close-up look at the items in a special “Ralphie and Randy” collection; and dinner at the Pearl of the Orient while in town. The winner will also receive a “major award” leg lamp, a set of moose mugs and $200 shopping spree in the gift shop. Photos will be displayed on www.AChristmasStoryHouse.com so that people can see the Clark Griswold-inspired decorating that goes on around the country! The winner will be announced the week of November 16, 2009. (For official rules, go to www.AChristmasStoryHouse.com/index.php/Griswold-Contest.)

“We promise we won’t staple the winner’s shirt to the house, or ask them to check every bulb!” Brian joked.

About A Christmas Story House & Museum

A Christmas Story House & Museum, located in Cleveland, Ohio’s Tremont neighborhood, is the original Parker family home from the 1983 holiday film in which Ralphie pleads for a Red Ryder BB Gun although everyone assures him he will only shoot his eye out. Visitors to the house take a nostalgic journey through the sights and scenes of the film, including visiting memorable spots such as the backyard where Ralphie battled Black Bart, under the sink where little brother Randy hid because “Daddy’s gonna kill Ralphie!”, and the bathroom where Ralphie’s decoder ring helps him to decipher, “Be sure to drink your Ovaltine.” Of course, the front window is graced with “the soft glow of electric sex” from the Old Man’s leg lamp, which he called a “major award.” In addition, the museum contains hundreds of photographs and original props, including the “I can’t put my arms down” snowsuit.

The house was purchased in 2004 by 33-year-old San Diego native Brian Jones, a fan of the movie and founder of www.RedRiderLegLamps.com. Jones saw the house listed on eBay, made an offer of $150,000, spent $240,000 to renovate the outside and make the inside match the movie’s sound stage, and opened it as a tourist destination Thanksgiving weekend 2006. Since that time, A Christmas Story House and Museum has hosted more than 100,000 visitors from all over the world. To further celebrate Christmas Vacation’s 20-year milestone, the gift shop is offering Moose Mugs just like the ones Clark and Cousin Eddie used to toast eggnog.

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A Christmas Story 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 & Museum is located just five minutes from downtown Cleveland at 3159 W. 11^th St. in the Tremont neighborhood. It is open year-round on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Tours of the house run every 30 minutes. Regular admission tickets are $7.50 for adults, $6.50 for seniors, $5.50 for children (ages 7 to 12) and free for children ages 6 and under. For more information or for directions, visit www.AChristmasStoryHouse.com or call 216-298-4919.

CONTACT:

Jodi O’Neill
216-912-2855 or
joneill@landaupr.com

Jill Doherty
216-912-2847 or
jdoherty@landaupr.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Jodi O’neill
Landau Public Relations
216.912.2855
joneill@landaupr.com

August 27, 2009 (Cleveland) – A Christmas Story House & Museum just reached a major milestone with its100,000^th visitor. Brunswick, Maine’s Lee Stanton won the distinction–and a leg lamp–on his stop in Cleveland to visit the pop culture destination where people from around the globe go to celebrate the holiday movie classic, A Christmas Story.

A Christmas Story House & Museum (www.AChristmasStoryHouse.com) located in Cleveland, Ohio’s Tremont neighborhood, is one of the original locations for the 1983 holiday film in which Ralphie Parker pleads for a Red Ryder BB Gun although everyone assures him he will only shoot his eye out. Visitors to the house take a nostalgic journey through the sights and scenes of the film, including visiting memorable spots such as the backyard where Ralphie battled Black Bart, under the sink where little brother Randy hid because “Daddy’s gonna kill Ralphie!”, and the bathroom where Ralphie’s decoder ring helps him to decipher, “Be sure to drink your Ovaltine.” Of course, the front window is graced with “the soft glow of electric sex” from the Old Man’s leg lamp, which he called a “major award.” In addition, the museum contains hundreds of photographs and original props, including the “I can’t put my arms down” snowsuit.

The house was purchased in 2004 by 33-year-old San Diego native Brian Jones, a fan of the movie and founder of www.RedRiderLegLamps.com. Jones saw the house listed on eBay, made an offer of $150,000, spent $247,000 to renovate the outside and make the inside match the movie’s sound stage, and opened it as a tourist destination Thanksgiving weekend 2006.

Fast-forward to summer 2009, and 26-year-old physical therapist Lee Stanton insists on a stop to the house on his drive from Maine to compete in an Ironman competition in Louisville, Kentucky. “I have probably watched the movie 25 times since I was 10 years old; it is one of my favorites. We got lucky!” Traveling with his mother, Sally Stanton of Fair Haven, Vermont, the pair decided to stay an extra day in Cleveland just to see the movie lovers’ mecca. She said, “It couldn’t have happened to a better person. He really loves the movie!”

The Stantons are taking home the same “major award” as the Old Man, a leg lamp, as well as other A Christmas Story House memorabilia, including an actual piece of the house, framed along with a commemorative ticket. About the house Lee Staton says, “They haven’t missed a detail.”

Since opening, the house has hosted three weddings, one renewal of vows and two proposals. Visitors have come from all 50 states and many countries, including Germany, England, China, Switzerland, Australia, Sweden, Netherlands, Ireland, Mexico and Thailand.

Brian Jones says, “We knew this milestone was approaching, but anticipated reaching 100,000 visitors in late October. People from all over the country and all over the world who love the movie have been coming in record numbers to join in the fun. It’s a great honor to share my tribute to one of the most memorable movies of our time with everyone, and especially today with Lee Stanton.”

What’s next? This season, two holiday classic movies will collide: A Christmas Story House & Museum will “go Griswold” and bedeck in 25,000 twinkle lights to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of National Lampoon’s® Christmas Vacation, starring Chevy Chase. To commemorate, A Christmas Story House gift shop will sell replica moose mugs, just like the ones that Clark and Cousin Eddie toasted.

ABOUT THE HOUSE & MOVIE:

A Christmas Story starred the late Darren McGavin as The Old Man and Peter Billingsley as Ralphie. 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 & Museum is located just five minutes from downtown Cleveland at 3159 W. 11^th St. in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood. It is open year-round on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Tours of the house run every 30 minutes. Regular admission tickets are $7.50 for adults, $6.50 for seniors, $5.50 for children (ages 7 to 12) and free for children ages 6 and under. For more information or for directions, visit www.AChristmasStoryHouse.com or call 216-298-4919. You can also purchase leg lamps and other items online, including this year’s new Pink Nightmare Bunny Suit, just like the one from Aunt Clara.

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