Gov't gets into 'Tommy Boy'

SANDUSKY — Throughout Tommy Boy Fest, which occurred Aug. 7-9 in downtown Sandusky, many throwbacks and tributes from the cult classic occurred, commemorating its 30th anniversary since first debuting in theaters. Even the local government got involved with this celebration, considering the movie — while never actually filmed on Ohio's north Coast — was set in Sandusky with its name being mentioned several times. It's even the hometown for the title character Tommy Callahan, played by Chris Farley. Among the three most notable ways, all of which involve Sandusky ex officio mayor Dick Brady: • Brady presented a key to the city to "Tommy Boy" director Pete Segal. Officials scarcely distribute keys to the city. The distinction spotlights people and/or organizations who have made significant, long-lasting community contributions. "Thank you, Pete, for giving us this timeless movie and for being a part of Tommy Boy Fest," said Brady, noting how this is "in recognition of 30 years of 'Tommy Boy' and the film's special place in Sandusky's story and in the hearts of fans everywhere." • Brady invited the mayor of Cuyahoga Falls, Don Walters, to attend the event. In the movie, Michelle — played by Julie Warner, who showed up at Tommy Boy Fest — is offered a plane ticket from Sandusky to Columbus to Cuyahoga Falls. What could be, in reality, an 80-mile car trip from Sandusky to Cutahoga Falls would have become a 246-mile indirect flight by adding in Columbus based on this script. She's also in a commercial airport, something Sandusky never actually had. Regardless, Brady invited Walters to poke fun at this geographical nightmare scenario mentioned in the film. Michelle does not end up going on this flight. At Tommy Boy Fest, people could enter a raffle for a free stay at Cuyahoga Falls. • The area's state Rep. D.J. Swearingen, R-Huron, presented a state proclamation to Brady to celebrate the cult classic since many people know Sandusky simply because of "Tommy Boy." "Thanks to our partners at Shores & Islands Ohio & Greater Sandusky Partnership for helping us put on this great event," according to the city statement.