2009 Merchandise & Miscellaneous News Archives

June 17, 2009: Superman Celebration 2009 Report

By Chris Brockow

This past year we have seen the Republicans step down and the Democrats take over. We have also seen the economy drop so low that people are not just losing their jobs but also their homes. But that still did not stop all the Superman fans from gathering in Metropolis for the 31st Annual Superman Celebration!

Groundbreaking It runs four days Thursday-Sunday of the second weekend in June. Thursday starts off in the late afternoon with a skit centered on Superman defeating some villain such as Lex Luthor. This year after the opening, there was a ground breaking party for the Noel Neill statue. This statue was presented to Miss Neill on her 85th birthday and the Chamber of Commerce is still continually trying to raise funds for the statue in both her likeness and honor.

After the ground breaking, a group of people who belong to the Superfriends of Metropolis web page met at a local restaurant named Wiley Jacks for an "Eat and Meet" session with everyone and then onto ten pin bowling.

Friday Morning started early with waiting in line to get tickets for the Saturday Autograph sessions with Justin Hartley (Green Arrow/Oliver Queen) and Phil Morris (Martian Manhunter/John Jones) of Smallville. The rest of the day was filled with activities such as seeing Clint Young's Batmobile, a Superman fans baseball game, Superman Jeopardy (my personal favorite) and the list went on. There was something to do till the late evening. All day Friday and Saturday fans met with Beverly Washburn who appeared as the little girl in Superman and the Mole Men.

Metropolis 2009 I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with her. She is a dear sweet lady and I hope she will be returning for future celebrations. Beverly was at the Artist's Ally and Writer's Way where there was much going on. A pilot titled Super Kids and Dad was shown and the place was packed. It was a throw back to the 1966 Batman series and I hope it "takes off". The evening ended with Noel Neill and Larry Ward sharing their favorite episodes from The Adventures of Superman TV series.

Saturday was the day to get the autographs of the featured celebrities and a chance to ask them questions at the Questions and Answers session.

Fans got a chance to meet the first Lois Lane of the Movie Serials and TV show, Noel Neill. I said this about Beverly Washburn and it goes double for Noel. She is a dear sweet lady and she has a special place in her fan's hearts. Noel is always there to meet her fans and share her stories.

Superman fans got a chance to become honorary citizens of Metropolis. The Chamber of Commerce was selling the certificates for $20.00 and at 1:30pm Saturday and Sunday afternoon, Mayor Billy McDaniel swore the fans in and pictures were taken under the Superman statue. This was the first time this was done and I think it was a popular event.

Saturday ended with the Annual Superman Auction. This is the place where collectors can get some rare pieces of Superman history. This took place from 5:00pm-11:00pm. If you did not want to go to the auction, Beverly was showing the complete film Superman and the Mole Men at the Artist's Alley.

Metropolis 2009 The last day was Sunday and the annual car show was held at Massac Park, and a costume contest was held under the main tent. The costume contest is where people put their time and energy to make costumes of their favorite superhero or villain and the winner received $1,000. This was fun and exciting to watch.

The celebration ended with a Superman Scavenger Hunt. This writer had to catch a plane home and did not see it but like everything else I am sure it was a success.

Don't forget this celebration is held the second weekend in June every year. I have already made my reservations for 2010, how about you?

Chris Brockow



2009 Merchandise & Miscellaneous News

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