Not only are three communities (Mansfield, Ashland & Upper Sandusky) celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the movie “The Shawshank Redemption,” but according to all the media visits and stories – so is the rest of the world. Mansfield revels in the fact that the 1994 movie was filmed in our backyard and invites fans, extras, and media to come experience the movie all over again Labor Day Weekend, Aug. 29-31.
“Any person who considers themselves a fan of the movie does not want to miss this weekend celebration. You’ll kick yourself later if you miss being in the middle of the excitement. Some events have limited seats so don’t wait to buy your tickets,” warned Mansfield/Richland County Convention and Visitors Bureau President Lee Tasseff.
“It’s a chance to rub elbows with other fans from across the globe. We recently had confirmation of someone who read about the weekend from South Africa. Attendees can truly immerse themselves in the sights, sounds (and even smells) of the backdrops for this classic movie,” added Tasseff. “We’ve added more options this year, so even those who attended last year’s filming reunion will have a different experience.”
Actors & Guests
Bob Gunton (Warden Norton) is returning along with Jim Kisicki (Maine National Bank Manager) and Scott Mann (Golf Pro Glenn Quentin).
Joining Mann at Pugh Cabin is Renee Blaine, who played Andy’s wife Linda Dufresne, pairing the two for the first time in 21 years. Also attending is actor Frank Medrano who played new fish “Fat Ass.” Medrano will be at OSR, the Renaissance Theatre and Shawshank Woodshop during the weekend. Check www.Shawshank20.com for times and locations.
Author Stephen King, who wrote the short story “Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption” politely declined an invitation. Stephen King Scholar, Dr. Tony Magistrale accepted. He will be speaking on Friday morning and participating in a panel discussion prior to the showing the movie at the Renaissance Theatre.
New for 2014
A Shawshank Bus Tour will take the fan experience to the next level! This two-day motorcoach tour treats riders like a celebrity with exclusive meals, access to all the filming sites, and even a Meet & Greet with Bob Gunton, available only to Shawshank Bus Tour participants. No one else gets access like participants on this tour.
Friday morning at 10 a.m. will be the presentation by Dr. Magistrale at Ashland University (check website for details)
On Friday at 6 p.m. (prior to the movie screening), go behind the scenes with a panel discussion featuring Bob Gunton, Dr. Magistrale, Ernie Malik (Publicist for the filming and premier) and Eve Lapolla former head of the Ohio Film Commission who sold Frank Darabont on considering the Ohio State Reformatory (OSR). Audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions of the panelists.
On Sunday morning will be a non-denominational service at OSR by Reverend Kary Oberbrunner, author of his Shawshank inspired book, “Day Job to Dream Job”.
Details about these and all events can be found at www.Shawshank20.com.
The anniversary weekend also showcases some of last year’s favorite activities like the famous cocktail reception at the Ohio State Reformatory, and autograph sessions by celebrities at the Renaissance Theatre, Shawshank Woodshop, Maine National Bank, and Malabar Farm State Park.
Mansfield, along with nearby towns Ashland, Lucas and Upper Sandusky, embrace the notoriety that goes along with being the home for the filming of the movie. There are 13 area filming sites that draw thousands of fans each year to the area to travel The Shawshank Trail. Over 6,000 visitors made the trip to Mansfield last year for the Shawshank Reunion, commemorating the actual filming of the movie. “The camaradarie among fans was amazing. One “super fan” traveled from Texas last year and plans to arrive early to enjoy the full weekend again to blog for us, “said Jodie Snavely, CVB Group Tour/Media Director and the master coordinator behind the 20th Anniversary weekend.
The Mansfield/Richland County Convention & Visitors Bureau harnessed the enthusiasm for the movie about six years ago and promotes the Shawshank Trail experience on a national level.
Keep checking the website for any last minute additions. Download a full schedule of weekend activities at www.Shawshank20.com or pick one up at the Mansfield/Richland County CVB office at 124 North Main St.