CLEVELAND–Hundreds of people from all over the world are in Cleveland this weekend to celebrate Red Rider BB guns and leg lamps.
That’s right – the 2010 “A Christmas Story” convention is underway.
“Just thought it would be a fun thing to do to come out here,” said Joann Coffman of Pittsburgh, Penn. “We love the movie and it reminds us of growing up, and since it is so close, we wanted to come and see it.”
In addition to visiting the famous home featured in the 1983 hit, fans also have the chance to meet and mingle with some of the stars from the movie.
“Just to come into the home and have that feel of yesteryear. Seeing the old things makes this special,” said Rhonda Helems of Akron. “It’s a tradition to watch the movie in our home. The movie is tremendous. It’s become a part of our family.”
Helems and her family, along with many other fans, took pictures by the Christmas tree, with the bowling ball and the appliance–well, award–made famous by the film: the fishnet leg lamp.
“It’s really cool. They did a really good job of recreating what I pictured in my mind of what it would look like when I got here,” said Jennifer Hammell of Belmar, N.J. “And it looks just like scenes from the house from the movie.”
It’s a sight Hammell has been waiting for 12 years to see–ever since she learned the house was here in Northeast Ohio.
“It’s nice to see that the movie has so many supporters that people are coming out here on Thanksgiving weekend on black friday to come visit this house,” Hammell said.
And of course there will be several screenings of “A Christmas Story” throughout the weekend.
For many fans, it’s a first-time experience they couldn’t miss.
“It’s good to see all the people out here,” said Victor Links of Belmar, N.J. “They did a great job with the house. You’re watching the movie and looking at the house, seeing where things are. It’s a neat thing to see. So glad we did it.”