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2005 Merchandise & Miscellaneous News Archives

June 15, 2005: Metropolis Illinois 2005 Superman Celebration Reports

Various fans have emailed in their reports and photos from their time at the 4-day Superman Celebration in Metropolis Illinois, which ran from June 9-12.

It should be noted that this Thursday, June 16th, on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno (11:30pm on the NBC television network in the USA), they will be broadcasting a segment shot at during the Metropolis Superman Celebration. The correspondent is Moe Rocca, who most fans consider a snide, sarcastic "comic".

Thanks to Jed Salisbury and Kenny Richardson for these photos.

Rodney Embry emailed in this report about his time at the 2005 Superman Celebration...

Mr. Hambrick's museum is just awesome!

I was able to meet Noel Neill. What an absolute joy she is.

I attended the question and answer session on Saturday afternoon. I sat on the ground right in front of the stage and got fabulous photos of Margot Kidder, John Schneider, Noel Neill and Mark Waid (shown below).

Ms. Neill was asked if she would like to elaborate on her role in Superman Returns to which she answered, "Yes I would, but I can't." She went on to confirm that her scene would be with Kevin Spacey and that she was excited about flying to Australia and working with him. She mentioned talking with Jack Larson and that he too was excited.

John Schneider was asked how long Smallville would continue and he said, "For as long as they can make it last." (which drew thunderous applause).

Margot Kidder lovingly recalled numerous memories of Christopher Reeve during the filming of the movies.

I got a sense that all the guests were truley glad to be there and understood how important the Superman mythos was to all of us there. It was agreat weekend that I will remember always.

Kenny Richardson emailed in this report about his time at the 2005 Superman Celebration...

I made my way into the Supe Museum. The collection that Jim Hambrick has is simply amazing. As I made my way out of the museum I saw not one but two General Lee cars. Folks were lined up to have there pictures taken in the General Lee.

Saturday was the big day. I arrived in Metropolis (having stayed at the Ramada Inn in Paducah) around 10.00am. I stood in line to see John Sncheider for the first line of autograph signings. John was a very nice man. He started his autograph signing 45 minutes before the scheduled starting time and he went 45 minutes past the scheduled time to stop. He mingled with the crowd and took a lot of pictures with his fans.

Next was the Question and Answer Session with the celeberties. First, in order of appearance, was Mark Waid, guest artist Steve Stanley, then Noel Neill, guest artist Lin Workman, Margot Kidder, and John Schneider.

After the Q and A session was the costume contest. the contest saw fans dressed as Superman, Batman, Spider-man and Doc Oc. I don't know the young man's name, but there was a contestant who looked exactly like Tom Welling from the "Smallville". My friend Syndi Bruchesky won third place as Black Cat from the Spider-man comics.

Later on that evening was the Superman Dinner and Auction. Amongst the items that were sold at auction was a newspaper prop from "Superman: The Movie". The name of the paper was the the Daily News with the headline that read "Look Ma! No Wires!" The auction was a huge event. Mr. O.D. Troutman won the George Award for 2005 in recognition for his contribution to the Superman Celebration.

I then had a chance to meet Margot Kidder. Margot is a great lady to meet. She kindly said yes when I asked her if I could take a photo with her. She then autographed my Daily Planet newspaper alongside John Sncheider's signature.

In my opinion this was the best celebration so far. I can't wait until next year.

Also on hand was Jay Leno's Tonight Show crew. One of the crew members said that the celebration would be on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno this Thursday after the local 10:00pm news. Check your local listings for time and channel.

Here's an anecdote from Superman fan Erik Williams...

As I was coming back home from Metropolis, I saw a bus on the side of the road and decided to see if I could be of any assistance. Well, I had sorta forgotten I was still in my Superman costume from the costume contest from the celebration. So when I stopped, it was like Elvis just stepped out of the car! I was suddenly barraged by about 50 people all taking pictures and running to see me up close and get their picture taken with me. I have to admit I was pretty embarrassed but they seemed to be very pleased.

Turns out, the air conditioning on their bus had stopped working sometime before passing Metropolis and then it simply overheated. They had already called another bus to pick them up but it was coming from a depo somewhere in MO and it would be another couple of hours before it reached them. So, in essence, it was very much Superman to the rescue for them - creating a diversion from the monotony of waiting outside in the blistering heat.

There was also one lady who supposedly knows the mayor of wherever she's from that said she was going to inform him of the heroic experience. (I'm so embarrassed) Anyway, it was fun and I'm glad I could help if only a little. "Up, up and awaaaaaaaaaay!"

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