Bill Murray and cast salute Harold Ramis in epic Groundhog Day celebration

Punxsutawney Phil, aka Chicago Harry, was a little reluctant to come out of his tree stump for the grand celebration at Harry Caray’s Tavern at Navy Pier on Feb. 2 but, after handler Mark Szafran finally wrangled him out, the results weren’t good – he saw his shadow, ergo 6 more weeks of winter! The light-hearted, fun-filled event planned by Grant DePorter (Harry Caray’s CEO) and team, was “100% what they were hoping for.”

From the guest list to the event details, it was a smile a minute. Grant replicated the entire Groundhog Day event straight from details in the film. The free-to-the-public event also included a Celebration of Life for the film’s director Harold Ramis (with screenplay by Danny Rubin and him). It was the 10^th anniversary of Harold’s passing and his widow, Erica Mann Ramis, was on hand to honor him along with fans and cast members. (Harold was also a partner in the restaurant.)

Harry Caray’s backyard patio, where the ceremony took place, was filled along with a bank of cameras from every TV station in town. Almost every cast member showed up except for Andie McDowell and a couple others. When Bill Murray walked onstage (he had not been announced as attending), the crowd went wild.

Cast members in attendance included Brian Doyle-Murray (Buster Green), Marita Geraghty (Nancy Taylor), Robin Duke (Doris the Waitress), David Pasquesi (the Psychiatrist), Peggy Roeder (the Piano Teacher), Richard Henzel (the DJ), Ken Hudson Campbell (Man in the Hall) and Richard Henzel (DJ voice heard on clock radio). This was the first time the memorable cast has officially reunited since the film’s release in 1993. Actors absent from the stage and who called in with messages included Chris Elliott (Larry) and Stephen Tobolowsky (Ned Ryerson).

Erica read a message from former President Obama: “Harold’s movies make us laugh, but they do more than that. They encourage us to root for the underdog, to identify with the outsider and to remember that we’re all capable of changing for the better.”

Brian Doyle-Murray as “Buster Green,” President of the Chicago Groundhog Club, initiated the Groundhog Day Ceremony where Chicago Harry, the live groundhog, emerged from his tree stump to reveal 6 more weeks of winter. 

Chicago Alderman Brendan Reilly closed out the ceremony by reading a City of Chicago proclamation declaring it Harold Ramis Day in Chicago and the group onstage toasted with the drink from the film, sweet vermouth on the rocks with a twist. The party then moved inside for more mixing and mingling.

Harry Caray’s Tavern transformed 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 were 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 also participated in the fun festivities. The film and soundtrack played inside the Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion and an image of a groundhog was featured as the centerpiece of the Centennial Wheel. Various restaurants on the Pier served Groundhog Day specials, and Navy Pier’s Sable Hotel called itself the “Pennsylvanian Hotel” for the day in honor of the hotel featured in the movie.

Notables seen on the scene included former Governor Pat Quinn, Senator Dick Durbin, Aldermen Brian Hopkins and Brendan Reilly, Fox-32’s Jake Hamilton, Roe Conn, Richard Roeper, Marilynn Gardner (Navy Pier president/CEO), Bonni Pear, Chaz Ebert, Joanna DePorter, Pam Kasper (Ramis’ assistant), Betsy Shepherd, Sandy Golub, Jamie Gabala, Chuck Jordan, Beth Heller, Larry Wert and Tom Skilling.

Chris O. Biddle was on hand with his band of “Ghostbusters,” completely decked out in costumes inspired by the film.  (This group is available for any event with a donation to Children’s Hospital, if interested email him at [email protected].)

Congrats to Grant and team on a job well done! Can't wait for a repeat - again and again and again.....