Three-day festival recreates 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' to celebrate 30th anniversary
How many people ditched school to attend?
Last weekend, a festival in Chicago meticulously recreated the most famous scenes from Ferris Bueller's Day Off to honor the film's 30th anniversary.
Ferris Fest started by recreating the scene where Ferris picks up Sloan in a Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder, the treasured possession of Cameron's father.
Just recreated the Sloane pick up scene and it was awesome #FerrisFestpic.twitter.com/ybFly5vRAo
— Dan Stadt (@potsywellington) May 21, 2016
The festival then continued downtown, where fans were able to relive scenes that took place at the Art Institute of Chicago, Willis Tower and Wrigley Field.
I can't even...?#ferrisfestpic.twitter.com/Vot2A1I3VE
— JJ Carter (@thrifteelaydee) May 22, 2016
I think I see my dad #ferrisfest (@ Willis Tower - @thewillistower in Chicago, IL) https://t.co/2LKU8gWDtPpic.twitter.com/BqyRWEr0WT
— Meghan Arnold (@MeghanCArnold) May 21, 2016
On the third day, the festival culminated to recreate the Von Steuben Day parade, famous for the "Twist and Shout" sequence where Ferris jumps on a float to lip-sync the famous tune.
Ferris Bueller parade recreation in Daley Plaza in Chicago #FerrisFestpic.twitter.com/5qBOcJfPt1
— Melissa Falk (@Soloroamer66) May 22, 2016
Luckily, the unpredictable spring weather of Chicago cooperated the entire weekend, reminiscent of the picturesque day Ferris decided to ditch school and run around town with his friends.
Each day, fans could also visit a hotel room that was transformed to look like Ferris' bedroom. From the looks of it, it's a dead ringer.
The question isn't "what are we going to do," the question is "what aren't we going to do? #FerrisFestpic.twitter.com/d0yRJCqCOu
— Amy (@Amy_Amy80) May 21, 2016
The festival also included a Q&A session featuring the actors who portrayed Grace, Katie Bueller and Tom Bueller.
The creator of Ferris Fest, David Blanchard, told the Chicago Tribune the event was a success, just like the day Ferris Bueller decided to play hooky. But unlike 1986, social media played a big part.
Dankeschoen, @FerrisFest2016. It was an experience. #ferrisfest#filmnerdpic.twitter.com/eP0yQ7dCKH
— Meghan Arnold (@MeghanCArnold) May 22, 2016
"We didn't spend a dime on advertising," Blanchard told the newspaper. "It was all social media and the press. We ended up getting mentioned on the TODAY show, we were in the Chicago Tribune, and we even got on CNN."