The cast of "A Christmas Story" is reuniting in Hammond this holiday season

HAMMOND, Ind. -- The cast of the classic Christmas movie "A Christmas Story" is reuniting this month in the place where the magic began: Hammond, Indiana. 

As a tribute to the 40th anniversary of the film, the city of Hammond, along with other sponsors, is bringing the cast of the beloved movie to town for a reunion "of legendary proportions" on Dec. 16-17. 

Part of the festivities will include an "A Christmas Story Comes Home" exhibit that centers around six animatronic window displays from Macy's in New York, each one featuring a different scene from the movie. 

There will also be a "Mommy's Little Piggy Mash Potato Eating Contest" for guests of all ages. Entry fee is $10. 

The classic movie was originally based on a book titled, "In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash," which was written by Jean Shepherd and released in 1966. It was a collection of short stories based off of Shepherd's experience growing up in Hammond. 

The movie is set in the fictional town of Hohman, which is a street in downtown Hammond. 

The movie is narrated by Shepherd by was written for the screen with the help of Leigh Brown and Bob Clark. 

CAST MEMBERS REUNITING:

Peter Billingsley - Ralphie Parker
Scott Schwartz - Flick
Ian Petrella - Randy Parker
Yano Anaya - Grover Dill
R.D. Robb - Schwartz
Drew Hocevar - Male Elf
Patty Johnson - Female Elf
Dwayne McLean - Black Bart

The event will take place at the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond and be free to the public. You can reserve your ticket for either the in-person event or a virtual experience here.