Never Say Die: “The Goonies” Celebrates 25th Anniversary in Astoria (Now With "Mikey" too!)

Wednesday, 02 June 2010 12:25 | Written by Byron

CELEB UPDATE (3 pm, Wed., June 2): It was just confirmed that Goonies director Richard Donner and Sean Astin (who played Mikey) will also be in Astoria for the weekend.

GOLDEN GOONIES: "We went over to Mikey's dads place and we found this map that said that underneath this place there's buried treasure," so goes one of Chunk's infamous line from The Goonies.

The '85 American adventure-comedy film directed by Richard Donner, with a screenplay by Chris Columbus from a story by executive producer Steven Spielberg, was all about of band of kids from the "Goon Docks" neighborhood of Astoria, Oregon, who go on an adventure to find the buried treasure of One-Eyed Willy, a legendary 17th-century pirate.

Now, 25 years later, fans will gather from around the world will once again descend on Astoria, Ore. to celebrate this so-bad-it's-good film's very special anniversary.

Over this weekend's four-day event, June 4-7, Goonies lovers can retrace the steps of characters in the film by touring filming locations including the famous “Goonies House,” bowl at “Chunk’s Bowling Alley” plus have a chance to mingle with original cast members including Corey Feldman ("Mouth"), Jeff Cohen ("Chunk"), and Curt Hanson ("Mr. Perkins").

Yes, that Corey Feldman, who will join his band, Truth Movement, for a concert on Sunday at Warren Field. The Ataris, whose album “So Long, Astoria” was inspired by a trip to Goonies-ville, will also play. No word on whether Cyndi Lauper will make a "surprise" appearance.

As part of the 25th anniversary festivities, the new Oregon Film Museum will open its doors for the first time. Converted from the old Clatsop County Jail featured in “The Goonies,” the museum is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the art and legacy of Oregon films and film-making. One of the many highlights is a special exhibit in the actual jail cell from, “The Goonies,” as well as stories, mementos and props from famous movies made in Astoria such as “Kindergarten Cop,” “Animal House,” “Twilight” and more.

And if things couldn't get better, another of the weekend’s top highlights will include a special announcement from Warner Home Video, delivered by none other than “The Goonies” cast members. (Could there possibly be a "Goonies: All Grown Up" in our future? And, will it include Josh Brolin in the cast?)

And don't forget an "80s night out" in downtown Astoria with costume contests, music, bowling at “Chunk’s Bowling Alley," hand-crafted “Goonies” beers created by local breweries or the “Truffle Shuffle” 5k Run/Walk on Monday. Lunar Boy Gallery also has a great show of Goonies-inspired artwork too (see "SlothMonkey" below). And make sure to check out the Astoria Coffeehouse and Bistro because they have really great coffee and good eats.

Visit www.GooniesAnniversary.com for complete event details. Official memorabilia, including t-shirts, hats, glassware, collectible doubloons and more, will be available at the event headquarters named The Goon Docks, located at 15th and Marine Dr.

COST: Tickets are now on sale and will be available for most individual events, such as $5 for movie showings, $25 for a bus tour to film locations and $40 to attend the concert. Weekend passes will be available for $130. Purchase tickets at www.GooniesAnniversary.com or call the Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce at (800) 875-6807 for more information.

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