Fans are invited to join in the celebration of Harold Ramis’ extraordinary life and career with an official Groundhog Day Celebration on Feb. 2 at 3:00 p.m. CST, the 10th anniversary of Harold’s passing, at Harry Caray’s Tavern Navy Pier. (Harold was a partner in the restaurant.)
To commemorate Chicago’s officially declared Harold Ramis Day, cast members from the celebrated 1993 comedy Groundhog Day (co-written and directed by Ramis) will join Erica Mann Ramis (wife of Harold Ramis) in a special public event on Navy Pier.
Cast members scheduled to appear include: Brian Doyle-Murray (Buster Green), Stephen Tobolowsky (Ned Ryerson), Marita Geraghty (Nancy Taylor), Robin Duke (Doris the Waitress), David Pasquesi (the Psychiatrist), Peggy Roeder (the Piano Teacher) and Richard Henzel (the DJ). Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell’s participation is pending based on availability. This will be the first time the memorable cast has officially reunited since the film’s release.
When the alarm clock flips from 2:59 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and “I Got You Babe” plays, all will gather to commemorate Harold Ramis’ life and accomplished career in film. Erica Mann Ramis and various cast members will share a few words about Harold and the film. Buster Green (Brian Doyle-Murray), as “President of the Chicago Groundhog Club,” will initiate the Groundhog Day Ceremony where Chicago Harry, the live groundhog, will emerge from his tree stump to reveal if he sees his shadow (meaning 6 more weeks of winter is expected).
Chicago Alderman Brendan Reilly will close out the ceremony by reading a City of Chicago proclamation declaring it Harold Ramis Day in Chicago.
Harry Caray’s Tavern will transform into a truly immersive Groundhog Day experience, featuring food and beverages inspired by Groundhog Day’s Tip Top Café, a snowman, and large ice sculptures, similar to those seen in the movie. Several artifacts from Harold’s storied career will be on display including the Armani coat Bill Murray wore in Groundhog Day, the bust of Harold Ramis that appeared in the 2016 version of Ghostbusters, the jumpsuits worn by Harold Ramis and Bill Murray in Ghostbusters, and several of Harold’s leather-bound shooting scripts including Groundhog Day.
Navy Pier will also participate in the festivities. The film and soundtrack will play inside the Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion and an image of a groundhog will be featured as the centerpiece of the Centennial Wheel. Various restaurants on the Pier will be doing Groundhog Day specials, and Navy Pier’s Sable Hotel will be calling itself the “Pennsylvanian Hotel” for the day in honor of the hotel featured in the movie.