Christmas comes early for fans of 'A Christmas Story' as cast reunion planned in Cleveland

What's being billed as the biggest cast reunion of the beloved "A Christmas Story" movie will be held in Cleveland this November.

The special three-day event will mark the 40th anniversary of the release of the film that featured some familiar Cleveland landmarks.

The reunion to be held Nov. 10-12 at the Cleveland Public Auditorium is part of the Greater Cleveland Film Commission's annual Behind the Camera event.

Greater Cleveland Film Commission President Bill Garvey said the film holds a special place in the hearts of many and has become a holiday tradition for families to watch each Christmas.

"We are super, super excited about this event that has been years in the making," Garvey said.

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The reunion will feature 12 cast members, including Peter Billingsley, who played Ralphie in his quest for an Official Red Ryder carbine action 200-shot range model air rifle.

Billingsley in the past has shied away from such events.

The actors slated to appear include:

• Zack Ward

• Scott Schwartz

• R.D. Robb

• Yano Anaya

• Ian Petrella

• Tedde Moore

• Patty Lafontain

• Drew Hocevar

Tickets for the reunion start at $20. The event will have a daily cast expo with interactive displays and activities.

There also will be a Friday night cast discussion and a Saturday Fun Run.

For tickets, visit clevelandfilm.com.

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Actor Scott Schwartz, who played Flick, best known for sticking his tongue to a frozen light pole in the film, said at Wednesday's announcement of the reunion that the film didn't get much love when it first came out and was stuck in "VHS hell" until TBS began airing marathon showings at Christmas.

Coming back to Cleveland is always special, said actor Zack Ward, who played bully Scut Farkus in the film.

"Cleveland has become a second home," he said.

Craig Webb, who would shoot his eye out, can be reached at cwebb@thebeaconjournal.com.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: 'A Christmas Story' turns 40 with cast reunion planned in Cleveland