Harold Ramis movie fans had the opportunity to honor the famed late director/actor on Feb. 2, Groundhog Day, at Navy Pier in Chicago.
That day at Harry Caray's Tavern and Restaurant at Navy Pier, fans gathered for the third annual Harold Ramis Day Celebration.
The free celebration, held outside of the restaurant on the pier, featured appearances by cast members of "Animal House," as well as Grant DePorter, who is the CEO of Harry Caray's Restaurants and the founder of the Ramis celebration and, of course, the big star of the day, Chicago Harry The Groundhog.
Chicago Harry The Groundhog is seen at The Harold Ramis Day Crlebration at Harry Caray's Tavern and Restaurant at Navy Pier. Photo by Eloise Marie Valadez
"It is a pleasure to be here in the heart of Chicago, Harold Ramis' town, on a day that he essentially reclaimed from the history books," said actor Tim Matheson, who played Otter in "Animal House." "Today is Feb. 2, and for some, it's about a rodent in Pennsylvania, but for us and for anyone who loves film, today is Harold Ramis Day."
Actor Tim Matheson speaks at The Harold Ramis Day Celebration at Harry Caray's Tavern and Restaurant at Navy Pier. Photo by Eloise Marie Valadez
"Animal House" cast members taking the stage for the celebration along with Matheson, who acted as event master of ceremonies, were James Widdoes, Peter Riegert, Mark Metcalf, Martha Smith, James Daughton and Richard Henzel.
Visitors to the restaurant also had a chance to order special menu items inspired by Ramis' films.
Grant DePorter, left, Martha Smith and James Daughton are pictured at The Harold Ramis Day Celebration at Harry Caray's Tavern and Restaurant at Navy Pier. Photo by Eloise Marie Valadez
During the celebration, Chicago Harry The Groundhog emerged from a special box onstage. Matheson comically told the crowd that Chicago Harry "stated in Groundhogese that he definitely did not see a shadow, so get your togas ready, therGrant DePorter, left, Martha Smith and James Daughton are pictured at The Harold Ramis Day Celebration at Harry Caray's Tavern and Restaurant at Navy Pier. Photo by Eloise Marie Valadeze's going to be an early spring."
Pictured is the '59 Chevy Corvette featured in "Animal House." Photo by Eloise Marie Valadez
Also featured at the event was the '59 Chevy Corvette seen in "Animal House." The car is permanently on display at the Volo Museum.
A toast of sweet vermouth on the rocks, with a twist, was given by the special guests in honor of Ramis who once said "I never make fun of people for things they can't change about themselves."
Matheson said "That kindness was what separated Harold from the rest."
A bust of Harold Ramis is seen at Harry Caray's Tavern and Restaurant at Navy Pier. Photo by Eloise Marie Valadez