“No! No! I want an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two Hundred Shot Range Model Air Rifle,” said Ralphie.  “You’ll shoot your eye out kid,” was Santa’s response.   I had heard that exchange countless times, but somehow had not seen the movie A Christmas Story.   (If you haven’t seen it yet, check your local cable stations for the upcoming 24-hour A Christmas Story movie marathon.) 

I found out there was a Cleveland connection (parts of the movie were filmed in Cleveland) when I began working for AAA.  I stumbled across an old issue of The Ohio Motorist magazine with a scene from the movie on the cover.  When I finally had the chance to watch the movie, I had a whole new appreciation for “double dog dare ya,” and “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid!”  It’s always fun for me to recognize local landmarks in photographs and movies and I wasn’t disappointed.  Cleveland landmarks including Public Square and the now-closed Higbee Department Store were easily recognized.  The home where Ralphie Parker and his family lived was located on West 11th Street in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood (which is also home to Lolita's, a restaurant owned by Iron Chef Michael Symon.)

Californian Brian Jones, a Christmas Story fanatic, heard the Parker house was for sale on eBay.  He contacted the seller, offered significantly more than the current bid, and bought the house sight unseen.  He then restored it to its movie star splendor and opened A Christmas Story House & Museum to the public.

Ironically, it was another Californian (but former Clevelander), who eventually enticed me to visit the house on a cold, but sunny winter day.  Christmas was just a few weeks away and the holiday spirit filled the visitors standing in line waiting for their opportunity to tour.  Laughter was often heard as someone recounted a favorite scene from the movie.  Inside the front window you could see the infamous Major Award Leg Lamp. The self-guided tour is like a walk down memory lane as it takes you back to the Christmas season at the Parker house.  Enhancing my visit, one of the neighbors (and still living nearby) recruited to play a part in the movie, relayed stories about what it was like to be part of the movie making experience. 

Across the street is the A Christmas Story Museum displaying memorabilia including Randy’s snowsuit, the chalkboard from Miss Shields’ classroom and the family car, as well as other props from the movie.  Photographs taken during the filming hang on the walls.  The house and museum are open daily year round, but closed on major holidays. 

And for real fans, mark your calendars for A Christmas Story Annual Convention, November 26 and 27, 2010.  The event coincides with Cleveland’s Winterfest, making for a fun, entertaining weekend.  The convention will feature appearances by seven original cast members (Randy, Flick, Scut Farkus, Grover Dill, Miss Shields, and the two evil elves) a BB gun range in the back yard of the house, along with several other events. Find the latest info on the convention as well as hours and ticket ptrices, on their website.