The Annual Superman Celebration in Metropolis, Illinois began Thursday, June 8th with a memorial marking the passing of Mike Meyers and Jack Vaughn Wiseman, regular attendees and heroic contributors to the Superman Celebration. MSC favorite Stephanie Perrin did an outstanding job paying tribute to our "Super Friends" who left us too soon.
Afterward many gathered at the Super Bowl Bowling Alley for the annual “Super Friends Bowling”. It was great seeing Super Friends that I haven't seen since previous Superman Celebrations and to meet new wide eyed attendees.
Afterward many gathered at the Super Bowl Bowling Alley for the annual “Super Friends Bowling”. It was great seeing Super Friends that I haven't seen since previous Superman Celebrations and to meet new wide eyed attendees.
Friday started off with a Flash. My wife Helen Brockow and I had breakfast with the miraculous Sam J. Jones, the actor who was made famous by portraying Flash Gordon in the Universal classic film, Flash Gordon and more recently in the hit comedy, Ted. I was awarded the honor of hosting the event by Tim Gardner and was fortunate to meet Sam before his Question and Answer Event. The event took place under the Main Tent at 10.00am. Sam J. Jones is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. He cares for his fans and took plenty of time with whomever came to talk with him. The crowd kept Sam talking for an hour.
Next up was “Superman SuperSite’s Meet and Greet”, a staple of the Celebration hosted by the Celebration's beloved Super Couple, Neil Cole and Jennifer Cole. Neil is the man behind www.supermansupersite.com During the Meet and Greet, Neil generously gives attendees the oppurtunity to win Superman prizes that include everything from books, calendars, movie posters and even action figures.
Next up was “Superman SuperSite’s Meet and Greet”, a staple of the Celebration hosted by the Celebration's beloved Super Couple, Neil Cole and Jennifer Cole. Neil is the man behind www.supermansupersite.com During the Meet and Greet, Neil generously gives attendees the oppurtunity to win Superman prizes that include everything from books, calendars, movie posters and even action figures.
I consider "Superman Jeopardy" to be the best event at The Superman Celebration. John Rinaldi, Alex Rinaldi and Janine Nina Rinaldi do a super job presenting their expertise show three times during the Celebration. I personally look forward to this all year long. It was now time for our event..."Stump the Superman Expert". If you haven't guessed by now, that's me. But this show is centered around the audience and I am always overwhelmed on how popular it is. This is my 13th year of hosting this trivia show with Helen, my version of Lois Lane. If you look forward to "Stump the Superman Expert", Thank you for making it what it is. Helen and I can't do this show without all of you!
Superman the Movie was presented by The Super Museum's Morgan Siebert. She spoke about what the movie meant to her then introduced World Famous Superman Historian Jim Bowers of www.capedwonder.com via Face Time. Jim introduced the audience to the iconic movie. That was a really nice touch. Saturday started with a walk up and down Market Street with Helen. A lighter schedule gave us time to look at all the vendors and see unique Superman items and more. There is always something or someone special at Artist Alley. Here professional artists and writers interact with fans of all ages. I enjoyed seeing SuperFriends such as the talented artist Trevor Hawkins and the amazing writer Brian K. Morris.
This year Metropolis was visited by Superman himself, Tyler Hoechlin from the popular, now running TV series Superman and Lois. The event was hosted by the hilarious John Gleckler. Ray Martinez and Sondra Ruth hosted the Q&A with Supergirl TV series Co-Stars, Nicole Maines and Jesse Rath. Tyler, Nicole and Jesse all took questions from the crowd. This years guest were kind and polite with everyone and a whole lot of fun. The much anticipated event was followed The Super Museum's 30th Anniversary presentation and panel.
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The Super Museum's 30th Anniversary featured the man himself, Metropolis' real life Superman, Jim Hambrick. He was joined on stage by the talented Morgan Siebert and Adam Siebert for a engaging Question and Answer event. They spoke about what the Museum has been though over the past 3O years, the extraordinary history and the visions of the future. The Super Museum is an absolute must for anybody visiting Metropolis Illinois. Jim, Adam and Morgan have put so much blood sweat and tears into that museum and it shows. |
While participating in superb performance of "Superman Jeopardy", a wedding was taking place at the Superman Statue. The Rinaldi's paused the show so that the happy couple could exchange their vows. But it was no question that after the Wedding Ceremony this "Superman Expert" would pull off a win! "I'll take "Kyptonian Knowledge" for a Thousand Alex".
Sunday was the last day of The Superman Celebration. This was a good day in-spite of the incoming rain. The last Superman Jeopardy show of the Celebration featured antics from the zany and entertaining Ray Martinez and Justin Olinghouse.
The end of Superman Jeopardy reminded me that another year of excitement and fun was coming to an end. However the biggest part of the Celebration was fast approaching... The Costume Contest, which I was thrilled to be judging this year. The rain coming down didn't affect these heroes and villains. The Costume Contest ended another Superman Celebration.This was a very good year. A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone involved in making The Superman Celebration something special for all of us!
Sunday was the last day of The Superman Celebration. This was a good day in-spite of the incoming rain. The last Superman Jeopardy show of the Celebration featured antics from the zany and entertaining Ray Martinez and Justin Olinghouse.
The end of Superman Jeopardy reminded me that another year of excitement and fun was coming to an end. However the biggest part of the Celebration was fast approaching... The Costume Contest, which I was thrilled to be judging this year. The rain coming down didn't affect these heroes and villains. The Costume Contest ended another Superman Celebration.This was a very good year. A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone involved in making The Superman Celebration something special for all of us!