Fans to celebrate 10 years of 'Old Fashioned' in Tuscarawas County

Fans of the independent film “Old Fashioned” will gather Saturday, Oct. 18, to celebrate the movie’s 10th anniversary in Tuscarawas County.

The event begins with a social hour at the Daily Grind Café in downtown New Philadelphia from 2 to 3:30 p.m., followed by a screening of “Old Fashioned” at 4 p.m. at the Quaker Cinema. An informal after-party will take place at the nearby J-N-G Grill. All events are open to the public. Tickets for the screening are on sale through the Quaker Cinema website at quakercinema.com.

The gathering is organized by Linda Wiley of Southern California, who created the Old Fashioned Fan Club in 2016 after visiting Tuscarawas County to see filming locations. Wiley has organized several fan gatherings over the years, drawing visitors to local landmarks such as the Lynn Drive-In, Trumpet in the Land and Tuscora Park.

Rik Swartzwelder, New Philadelphia native and the film’s writer-director, along with other cast and crew members, is scheduled to attend.

Wiley said her love for the film runs deep. “My favorite movie location is the antique store/apartment building in downtown Bolivar,” she said. “I still remember my first visit to Ohio and driving up to the building, I actually had tears come to my eyes. Seeing a place from a beloved movie was very emotional for me. And Tuscarawas County just has a unique kind of vibe, with its quaint towns and farm areas, especially Sugarcreek.”

Dee Grossman, executive director of the Tuscarawas County Convention and Visitors Bureau, said Wiley has become a familiar face locally. “The following of Linda’s fan club has grown from a handful of folks to hundreds over the past decade,” Grossman said. “We have so enjoyed hosting the fan club … no better time to be here, just as the film itself so beautifully showcased.”

Grossman plans to attend both the social hour and screening and will bring a surprise giveaway for fans, hinting only that “it’s wearable and it’s totally George.” George, played by the late Joe Bonamico — a local actor and longtime Trumpet in the Land director — was a fan favorite. Bonamico died in 2024. A special tribute will be held for him at the Quaker Cinema before the screening.

“In so many ways, Joe was the heart and soul of our whole production,” Swartzwelder said. “And his heart for the fans of our ‘little indie movie that could’ was huge. This will be the very first gathering without him, and it only seems right to do something to thank him.”

She said the movie continues to resonate with fans because of its relatable themes. “The movie has everything — love, humor, thought-provoking messages, great music, wonderful scenic backdrops and great actors,” Wiley said. “And some of the actors have become friends with fans through social media or at events. They are kind and generous people, and their interaction with fans is unique in the movie industry.”

More information about the fan club is available at facebook.com/groups/948649715280801