More Than A Movie: The Evolution Of Ghostbusters Day

On June 8th, 1984, a supernaturally spectacular film hit big screens nationwide. Forty One years ago, Ghostbusters swept not only the nation, but the world in a fever that would have anyone and everyone asking, “Who ya gonna call?” Inspired by a group of underdogs coming together to face the unknown, today we STILL ask that question and answer quite loudly- Ghostbusters! Loud not only in the way in which we display our love for the fandom, but also in how we choose to celebrate it. What was once simply a way to commemorate the anniversary of our favorite supernatural comedy, has become one of the loudest and most tangible celebrations of fandom you’ll ever experience- Ghostbusters Day. 

For the past five years, fans have gathered at New York’s iconic Hook & Ladder 8 firehouse, Ghostbusters HQ, to celebrate with an event hosted by the Buffalo Ghostbusters. A team that knows that bustin’ doesn’t just make you feel good—it does good. “Ghostbusters Day is a celebration of the fandom, a reason for all of us to get together and do what Ghostbusters do best–-help others,” says Christopher Burns Jr., who highlights the charity-driven core of the event. The celebration began as a spontaneous idea during a late-night chat session: replace the firehouse’s damaged Ghostbusters II sign with a replica. That idea quickly gained momentum.

“(We had) an idea to get the Hollywood Collectibles sign for the firehouse, because we had heard that their original Ghostbusters II sign had been damaged,” recalls Brent Hollingsworth. However, it didn’t just end with a passing idea. The team would go on to start a GoFundMe for the project, as well as reach out to Hook & Ladder 8 to get the ball rolling on an event that would KEEP rolling. Meanwhile, the passionate fans with the proton charged idea weren’t the only ones interested in helping the firehouse return to its former GBHQ glory! “Pretty early on for the first fundraiser, we realized we were going to have a lot more than our initial goal, so I reached out to Ghost Corps and let them know what we were doing,” Dan Liberg says of Ghost Corps stepping up to the plate! They would end up donating the Hollywood Collectibles sign, allowing the Buffalo team to commission the full-size sign that now proudly hangs outside Hook & Ladder 8 24/7, a permanent tribute for fans and tourists alike.

Since the initial ceremony, it quickly became apparent Ghostbusters Day had to continue. Much like the original film's conception, the team had caught lightning in a bottle. “We realized that

this whole initiative had bigger potential than just a one-off,” says Liberg. Thus began an annual tradition, with the firehouse helping to select a new beneficiary each year.

The team, along with ghoulishly great graphics extraordinaire, Eric Christenson, creates exclusive merchandise including shirts, patches, coins, and more to help further their ongoing charity efforts. “It’s not just making an attractive design,” Eric explains, “It’s making a design with purpose. It’s the symbol that sets the theme for the whole event.”

Much like ghost-busting, none of this would be possible without teamwork. Several other franchises and community members have come together over the years to offer their own contributions to the celebration. ECTO-1NJ and NYC Ghostbusters regularly bring their ECTO vehicles and lead tours, while fan favorite phantasmal artist Chris Sorrentino of ReelGhostbusters hands out free prints every year. “The support is tremendous from so many groups,” Liberg says.

The celebration has also welcomed franchise insiders like Eldo Ray Estes, Joe Cirillo, John Rothman, and the Alessi Brothers. All of whom have become integral and special parts of the anniversary blast. One event in particular even attracted the attention of none other than Harold Ramis’s wife, who happened to be in town for a film festival.

“That was an incredibly special moment that will stick with me for a long time,” Dan reminisces. “Having Harold’s widow say “He would’ve loved this… he would’ve been here to celebrate with you!” and I told her “He is… he’s here.”

Ghostbusters Day IS still about commemorating our favorite film. Yet, as a team, community, and family has been able to become so much more for so many people. To Brent, “GB day will always be that late night idea that we thought wouldn’t go anywhere,” much like starting a business to catch ghosts. To others like Christopher it means family, “I get to experience the day raising money for a great cause, with 1500+ friends.” To some it’s about getting together with like-minded people to celebrate. “The passion, and the community that comes with being a Ghostbusters fan,” says Eric. “It’s a chance to see old friends, make new friends, and just have a ton of fun.” For everything it is, what Ghostbusters Day really means can often be hard to put into words. “Ghostbusters Day means so much to me,” says Liberg, “Being able to bring the fandom together for such a positive celebration every year and to be able to raise incredible amounts of money for charity while doing it…it’s just the best. And it’s grown into something more than any of us could have ever imagined.”

Four decades ago, a group of unlikely heroes captured our imaginations and since then, Ghostbusters has become so much more than a movie. It’s a community built on laughter, courage, and the belief that when we stick together, we can face anything- even a giant Marshmallow Man. Ghostbusters Day as a celebration has proven it’s not just about busting ghosts- it’s about building connections through the same great spirit that started it all. For more information on the Buffalo Ghostbusters ongoing charity efforts, and any future Ghostbusters Day celebrations, be sure to point your PKE meters at their official socials! BUFFALO GHOSTBUSTERS: buffaloghostbusters.com Couldn't make it out to Ghostbusters Day this year, and want to see MORE of the first ever GB Day newspaper, produced by Who Ya Gonna Call dot Org, featuring this article? Read and download the FULL zine today! WHO YA GONNA CALL GHOSTBUSTERS DAY NEWSPAPER: https://www.circlecityghostbusters.com/downloads/ #ghostbusters #slimer #staypuft #ecto1 #80smovies #RetroVibes #spookyvibes #anniversary #GhostbustersDay #jasonreitman #danaykroyd #billmurray #erniehudson #PaulRudd #finnwolfhard #mckennagrace #CarrieCoon #ghost #slime #trending #ghostcorps #whoyagonnacall #reportallghosts