Fans relive ‘Groundhog Day’ magic at Navy Pier’s Harold Ramis Day bash

Hundreds of fans turned out to celebrate the 2nd annual Harold Ramis Day Feb. 2, with a Groundhog Day extravaganza at Harry Caray’s Tavern on Navy Pier. This special event honored the life and legacy of Harold Ramis, the comedic genius behind the 1993 classic Groundhog Day and many other beloved films. The event was free and open to the public, offering fans a chance to immerse themselves in movie nostalgia while enjoying a festive atmosphere.

The celebration kicked off at 3:00 p.m., marked by the familiar tune of "I Got You Babe" as the alarm clock flips to signal the ceremony’s start. Cast members from Groundhog Day took the stage to share their memories of Harold Ramis and the making of the iconic film. Actors Stephen Tobolowsky (Ned Ryerson), Peggy Roeder (The Piano Teacher), and Richard Henzel (The DJ). Stephen Tobolowsky, in his new role as "President of the Chicago Groundhog Club," led a Groundhog Day ceremony featuring Chicago Harry, a live groundhog. The furry forecaster emerged from his tree stump and did NOT see his shadow, heralding an early Spring!

Harry Caray’s Tavern transformed into a nostalgic haven, offering food and beverages inspired by the Tip Top Café featured in the film. Fans marveled at an exclusive display of artifacts from Harold Ramis’s career, including the Armani coat worn by Bill Murray in Groundhog Day, Harold Ramis’s bust from the 2016 Ghostbusters, Ghostbusters jumpsuits worn by Ramis and Murray and leather-bound shooting scripts from Groundhog Day and other films.

The celebration extended beyond the tavern, with activities throughout Navy Pier. The movie and its iconic soundtrack played in the Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion. The centerpiece of the Centennial Wheel featured a groundhog-themed image. Restaurants across the Pier offered Groundhog Day-themed menu items and Navy Pier’s Sable Hotel was temporarily renamed the “Pennsylvanian Hotel” in homage to the film’s iconic setting.

As a co-writer and director of Groundhog Day, Harold Ramis captured the humor and heart of Chicago, a city he loved and called home. The celebration was a great chance to honor his legacy while reliving the joy of one of cinema’s most enduring comedies.

Thanks, Grant DePorter, for giving us a day to remember! Groundhog Day, Harold Ramis Day at Navy Pier was an unforgettable experience. (Photos by Candace Jordan)

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