On Saturday night, July 11th, 2009, the Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History Venue in Kennesaw, GA had a "Night at the Museum" event. Just like in the movies, they were planning on having an event where the museum exhibits come to life and interact with the guests and with each other. It was an awesome idea and everyone was clamoring to do it once the invite went out to us in the 501st Georgia Garrison to be a part of it all.
The premise was the museum had obtained a meteoroid from the Smithsonian which of course has an unusual effect on all of the exhibits. The main thing that was asked of us was to never break "character". This time we were not dressing up as Star Was troopers, we WERE Star Wars troopers! We had to be fully in character 100% of the time when we were in front of the public.
There was all kinds of costumes today. Ben Franklin, Abe Lincoln, Queen Elizabeth, WWII Soldiers, Attila the Hun, Civil War Soldiers, live statues, and then there was us Star Wars guys interacting with it all. Let me tell you it was a FANTASTIC time!
Some of us decided not to don the usual Star Wars getups. This event was special and many of our members have other costuming interests as well. Here's a couple of our pirating folk!
We trooped from 5pm when the doors opened to 8pm when they closed. It was EXHAUSTING but everyone loved every minute of it.
And here's the gang, the conquering heroes of the night. Great job, Troopers!! (and Pirates, and Soldiers!)
Sunday, July 12, 2009
July 11th, 2009 - Night at the Southern Museum
Sunday, July 5, 2009
July 4th, 2009 - Church Picnic for Foster Families
On July 4th, 2009, my Mother-In-Law asked if Liz and I, along with any of our costuming friends would be interested in appearing at her Church picnic for the Foster Families/Children that the Church sponsors. So I put the word out and we got a great response. Events like this are what's at the heart of the 501st and many were glad to take some time from their July fourth holiday to brighten the lives, even a little bit of foster kids. The Church sponsors 3 Foster Families and the picnic was for those foster children, along with the church member's children. All of the kids were very excited about the event!
We were somehow blessed with spectacular weather! For a July afternoon in Georgia, it was quite cool with very low humidity. But there was some great shade to be had around the Church, too. We had Liz and I in our TIE and Scout, 2 Stormtroopers, 2 Jedi, and the big man, Darth Vader himself!
Everyone had a great time. I played a bit of whiffle ball, Liz and Jessie tossed the football around a bit, but the funniest thing was all of us going through the chow line in full gear.
We currently only have a few photos. We hope to get some soon from one of the Church ladies. After Andy had an armor blowout and had to get out of his Vader, he was able to snap a few photos. And then Danny showed up unexpectedly right as we were finishing and he quickly got armored up for the last few minutes of the day.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
May 16, 2009 - GBI Missing Kids Event
What's with all the rain here in Georgia? What happened to our old friend the drought? Well, drought no more and the rains came again. But not until after we got in a few hours with the kids and parents who came out to the GBI's third annual Missing Kids Event.
This event is designed to raise awareness to all the ways parents can protect their children from predators. And it's an event with fun activities, face painting, hot dogs, and helicopters!
The 501st troopers hit the scene at about 11am. Unfortunately the forecast kept away a good amount of potential attendees, but those that were there had a great time interacting with us and taking photos.
While the dark clouds were looming on the horizon, we decided to bring in the troops for our group photo. And just in time, too! 5 minutes later the heavens opened up and the downpour began. Notice the 501 designation of the GBI Van?
And that cut this troop short. We decided to call it a day. It still was a good time and we will be back next year!
April 30, 2009 - Art Institute of Atlanta Photoshoot
We received an unusual request from a photography student at the Art Institute of Atlanta. She had the idea to shoot a group of Stormtroopers for a class assignment.
The assignment had something to do with contrasting the foreground subjects with the backgrounds. I don't know. Tell you the truth, I was just looking forward to some cool, professional-like photos of me in my Scout.
We stood around for a while while the lights were set and she took a bunch of test Polaroids which I posted here. Those shots were wild. They looked like old vintage photos from 1977 (well, 1983 since I was a Scout).
During the actual shoot, she had us play around with water guns. Since I was the odd man out amongst 3 TKs, I got the little whimpy water pistol while the Stormies got the big super soakers! Ha, I'm used to it with my little scout blaster anyhow.
Then after the fun photos, we got to take some serious shots. I can't wait to see how those came out. I actually haven't seen any of the photos yet. Hopefully she got a good grade for her project.
April 18, 2009 - Borders Stonecrest "Outcast" Book Event
The Borders Bookstore at Stonecrest Mall in Lithonia, GA requested an appearance to raise awareness for the newly released Star Wars book called "Fate of the Jedi: Outcast". Sadly this was a not a book signing event with the author Aaron Allston, one of my absolute favorite Star Wars authors. His Wraith Squadron books, part of the X-Wing series are superb and so much fun. He is an extremely funny writer and his books are what old school Star Wars is all about.
Aaron recently suffered a massive heart attack on his current book tour and had to undergo quadrouple bypass surgery. He is fine and recovering nicely and in some small way this event was our way of sending out good vibes for a speedy recovery.
We don't often troop in the Stonecrest area and it was fun to see the reactions from the public spending the Saturday afternoon shopping.
We patrolled the store entrance posing for lots of photos and telling everyone who would listen about the new book.
And 2 of Atlanta's finest even wanted to pose for photos with us!
A great day and we sold a few books too.
March 28, 2009 - Warner Robins Young Astronaut Day
It was a RAINY day in Georgia on March 28, 2009 when a group of us slogged down caravan style making the 2+ hour trip to Warner Robins, GA to the Air and Space Museum for Young Astronauts Day. I don't think I ever drove that far in that much rain before. Luckily the main event was indoors, but it did limit our mobility somewhat as we had to mainly stay in that one building.
Basically we were tasked to "entertain" the kids, parents and educators during their afternoon lunch break. And we were a big hit. We took lots of photos.
Liz, our TIE Pilot got the most attention today since she fit in the best with all of the surrounding fighter planes.
And it was great to troop with Florida Garrison's Squad 7, who made the trip up from northern Florida for the day. Add in all of our friends from the Rebel Legion and it was a real party!
