More events planned for 'Tommy Boy' fest

Editor's note: Since being announced in June, additional events for the inaugural Tommy Boy Fest, celebrating the film's 30th anniversary, have been announced. While not actually filmed in Sandusky, many local tributes and mentions of Sandusky are spoken on screen, prompting local officials to properly honor this production with a party three decades in the making. SANDUSKY — Have you booked your flight from Cuyahoga Falls yet? If not, then get ready for your own epic road trip to Sandusky — brake pad sales along the way not required. Plans for the upcoming Tommy Boy Fest, coming to Sandusky, on Aug. 7-9, are ramping up. The three-day festival will be filled with fun activities and entertainment for fans of the 1995 film as well as 1990s nostalgia in the hometown of the fictional Callahan Auto Parts. Thursday, Aug. 7 It all kicks off with the Greater Sandusky Partnership's weekly Party at the Pier event on Thursday, Aug. 7. The party at Jackson Street Pier features food trucks, live entertainment and a maker's market. Dance along with The Menus, a popular Ohio rock band playing high-energy covers for more than 40 years. This concert is sponsored by Shores & Islands Ohio. Additional festival events on Thursday include: • Shop Big Tom's Market — an indoor market featuring vendors; Who knows, maybe you'll find brake pads. • Tommy Boy Look-A-Like Contest — Hosted by Kevin Farley, brother of the late Chris Farley; Loads of "Tommy Callahans," "Richards" and other movie character look-alikes are expected. • Laugh as Kevin Farley comes back to the stage after the rock concert for a comedy set. • Enjoy the nostalgia as we watch "Tommy Boy" the movie on a large outdoor screen. A 1990s-themed Happy Thursday Cruiser Ride will also take place with hundreds of pedal riders throughout the community. Friday, Aug. 8 On Friday, Aug. 8, the party continues with several planned events: • A Movie Classics Car Show; Sponsored by O'Reilly Auto Parts, it will feature such classic TV and movie vehicle reproductions of the "Blues Brothers," "Jurassic Park," "Ghostbusters" and "Back to the Future." Of course, the 1967 Plymouth Belvedere II GTX convertible, used in the movie by Tommy and Richard to traverse the Midwest, will be a part of the display thanks to the generosity of the film's director, Peter Segal. • Big Tom's Market will, once again, be open for shopping at the Jackson Street Pier. There will be a double-feature film screening with "50 First Dates" and "Tommy Boy." • A 1990s-themed evening party cruise on the Goodtime I will also be offered for those who wish to enjoy sunset on Sandusky Bay. Saturday, Aug. 9 Finish out your Tommy Boy Fest on Saturday with a day filled with great opportunities: • Feed your inner Tommy at the Tommy Want Wingy Throwdown, benefiting Ability Works Inc. • Test your stamina with the Fat Guy in a Little Race 0.5K — or just try to fit into your little coat without busting the seams. • Following the race, an expanded Big Tom's Market will reopen at the Jackson Street Pier, featuring both indoor and outdoor vendors. • Rock out to 1990s covers with My So Called Band, sponsored by Vacationland Federal Credit Union. • Test your movie knowledge at Tommy Boy Trivia with Mary Beth White. • The party rocks on with Dave Paulson & the Holy Schnikes presenting "Sandusky, Ohio — A Tommy Boy-inspired Rock Album." • The Small City Taphouse/CLAG Brewing Festival will take place on Columbus Avenue. The beer festival will feature live music, a street party, beer releases and more. The weekend's events will conclude with a question-and-answer session with Segal followed by one final screening of "Tommy Boy." Throughout the weekend, immerse yourself in the Sandusky community through local sightseeing tours, such as with Sandusky Pedal Co.; themed menus at local eateries — Tommy-want-wingy pizza at Archie's Pizza anyone? — photo-opportunities, shopping, scavenger hunt and more. Sandusky is a very friendly and walkable city. Golf cart and electric bike rentals are also available. You can also enjoy the entire Shores & Islands Ohio region via a visit to Cedar Point Amusement Park, island tours, local museums, parks and other attractions. For detailed information on scheduled events and times, be sure to follow along at tommyboyfest.com, where information is regularly updated. Tommy Boy Fest is brought to the community by the city of Sandusky, the Greater Sandusky Partnership and Shores & Islands Ohio. Sponsorship opportunities are still available – find out more at tommyboyfest.com.