Holy Schnikes! What a Tommy Boy Fest

SANDUSKY — No way that just happened. That phrase became one of many well-known quotes from "Tommy Boy," referencing a notable scene in which a deer destroys a 1967 Plymouth Satellite convertible from the inside out. And now, it's synonymous with the all-out celebration Sandusky put on for the film's 30th anniversary. Thousands of people attended a jam-packed, three-day-long Tommy Boy Fest this past week, Aug. 7-9, throughout downtown Sandusky. It helped commemorate the 30th anniversary of cult-classic "Tommy Boy." The film's theatrical release occurred in 1995. Many events, like a Fat Guy in a Little Race 0.5K and the Tommy Want Wingy Throwdown eating event, paid homage to many memorable moments associated with the comedy, starring the late Chris Farley. Chris, who passed away in 1997, played the title character Tommy "Tommy Boy" Callahan. Kevin Farley, Chris' brother, also made an appearance. And those with big roles in the movie, such as lead actress Julie Warner and director Pete Segal, even showed up to speak with fans. And, of course, multiple free screenings of the film — which was set in Sandusky but not actually filmed on Ohio's north coast — took place on Jackson Street Pier. "What a weekend in Sandusky, Ohio," according to an event statement. "Thank you so much to everyone who braved the heat and came out to celebrate 30 years of 'Tommy Boy.' We were excited to see so many people from across the country who came to celebrate the legacy of this film." The event's main sponsor: Callahan Brake Parts, which takes inspiration from the fictitious Callahan Auto Parts where Chris Farley's character worked. It was produced by the city government, the Greater Sanduskly Partnership and Shores & Islands Ohio.