RE/MAX of Midland Balloon Festival

by: dankelzaga

photo courtesy of dankelzaga

On Sept 15th, the 22nd annual RE/MAX of Midland Balloon Festival was held in Midland, Michigan at the country fairgrounds.  This year the event added a bit of new entertainment to the festivities -- Great Lakes Base and Great Lakes Garrison were "out in Force" for the event.

Over 20 hot air balloons and their crews took to the skies on a sunny fall day.  The annual balloon festival is the kick off event to the United Way Campaign in Midland County and over 25,000 guests attended the four-day event. Admission (as always) was free with a canned food donation. Festivities involved skydivers, face painting, food vendors, live music, a bar-b-que, bounce houses, inflatable obstacle courses, and of course...hot air balloon races.  "After-glow" events at dusk were also held with the glowing flames from balloon burners lighting up the night sky.

RE/MAX Midland Balloon Festival - "Mission Photos"

Young and old appeared to love the various costumers!  A good ole fashioned hoedown even occurred with Rebels and Imperials putting aside their differences long enough to dance with attendees.  Lord Vader himself was even observed doing a bit of "boot scootin" during the hoedown.  While the skies were simply too full of balloons to conduct a fly-by in X-wings, a round of jumping in the bounce house was ok'd by fleet command.  With the assistance of a couple of brave Stormtroopers, a mission inside of the bounce house became a real crowd pleaser.

Checkout this video for all the FUN at RE/MAX Balloon Festival

Watching costumers from a "galaxy far, far away" hopping and jumping in unison inside a bounce house is something not often seen.  Great Lakes Base’s very own Chewbacca (Lumpy) was also a hit.  Lumpy even took time out of his busy Wookiee rounds to visit the concession stand.  The question of the day became, "just where does a Wookiee carry his elephant ear funds anyway?”

The balloon festival was a huge success, and not only were we invited to next year's event, individuals from other Midland county services (such as the community center) were so impressed that they inquired about possible future appearances.  The RE/MAX event was yet another shining example of the power we have to bring joy to our own galaxy....one smile at a time.

Until next time, straighten up and fly right and stay on target!

Lt. Daan Kelzaga

Dan Hench

Shadow Six/Shadow Squadron

Great Lakes Base

Rebel Legion

Nick Gillard lightsaber training

This weekend at the Cincinnati Comic Expo, Snips92 and I had the rare opportunity to receive lightsaber training from the “swordsmaster” of the Star Wars prequels, and Honorary Member of The Rebel Legion, Nick Gillard.

photo courtesy of fritzthefox 

What I need you to understand is that I’ve have been lightsaber sparring with my sister, whether it’s as our Jedi characters at events or in our parent’s back yard, since she was 12 years old – we know each other’s moves better then anyone!  So when she suggested we sign up for one of Nick Gillard’s Jedi Training sessions at the Expo, my initial reaction was, “GREAT, so we can kill each other better then we already do?”  Both Snips and myself have had basic fencing training, including against each other, and the countless “duel of the fates” any Jedi costumers may face during an event.  I mean, seriously – who designed a toy lightsaber for kids with a “plastic” blade that works/feels the same as a police baton? OW!

Meanwhile, Nick Gillard and his crew were going to be teaching us a sequence from the Obi-Wan vs Anakin duel in “Revenge of the Sith” – so, nice to know we’d be starting with something easy!  I played the part of “Anakin” and Snips was “Obi-Wan” – because that role required someone with better skills as a dancer.  They’d start by showing us a small 4-5 “hit” (meaning saber clashes) combo, then add on the next 4-5 moves, next add another 4-5 moves, then build up to yet another 4-5 move sequence that marked the end of this particular sequence – that’s a 25 move routine!!!  We all watched the webdoc of Ewan and Hayden rehearsing for weeks of 8+ hour days to get this lightsaber duel perfected for filming… we had 1.5 hours! (no pressure)

Jedi Master Cin Drallig and Krash

In case you were wondering, professional lightsaber training is a physical workout for this 36 yr. old, “battle damaged” former hockey player… and I LOVED every minute of it!  Nick Gillard was such a great teacher, even when I’d miss a step, or when he’d constantly have to remind us to “slow down”, or whenever my knees or aching shoulder wouldn’t keep up with what my mind was telling it to do – Nick would stand there, laugh about how “rubbish” something was, and encourage us to try again.  As we’d progress through the routine, the earlier sequences became almost second nature.  Even when one of us would make a mistake, the other was getting better at protecting themselves from getting clipped by a stray lightsaber blade.

Snips92 working with Nick

Towards the end, we got to this one move where Snips/Obi-Wan had to do this (back foot) pivot, into a counter-move.  When it was over, Nick told her that he’s only see four people pickup that move as quickly as she just did: herself, two other people in one of his training classes… and Ewan McGregor, himself.  Great, because I’m never gonna hear the end of THAT from my own sister. ;)

Overall, this was “fantasy camp” for Star Wars fans, let alone the chance to experience this together.  Not only because we get to learn an actual scene from one of the "Star Wars" movies, but also because Nick Gillard is both a great teacher and also just a wonderful person – a true “jedi master” if I ever knew one!

Snips Meet Snips

One more “C3P0 campfire” story from Celebration VI, and then it’s back to work!  As many of you saw on this week’s episode of “Cupcake Wars” -- The Rebel Legion was well represented at the Orange County Convention Center during CVI weekend.  For those who don’t know, my sister (Emily) is a big fan of Ashley Eckstein and Her Universe line of fashion for sci-fi girls.  In fact, Emily’s call-sign for her Rebel Pilot costume is “Snips92” and she included the Her Universe emblem on her custom painted Rebel Pilot helmet -- more on that in a minute.  So after having to listen to me teasing her with the knowledge that I got to meet Ashley at DragonCon (2011) before she did, “Snips” was on a mission to meet her namesake at Celebration!

photo courtesy of Snips92

Not only was she determined to meet Ashley, but she wanted to do so dressed in her Rebel pilot costume -- to show her the custom painted Ohio State football/Her Universe helmet!

That meant her only opportunity to do this was on Friday, the day of The Rebel Legion group photo.  One problem: aside from a CLONE WARS panel and some "VIP Only” cupcake party -- which we didn’t have access to -- Ashley wasn’t going to be making any public appearances.  If you’ve ever witnessed someone’s hope/dreams be crushed right before your eyes, you’ll know that their mood drops quicker then the first hill on “Millennium Force” roller coaster at Cedar Point; things go downhill FAST!  As Snips resigned her to the fact of standing outside the VIP Members room, hoping to catch a glimpse of Ashley walking by, something unexpected happened…

“Hey Krash, what’s up?”

My old friend John Booth, from Ohio Star Wars Collectors Club stopped by!  Once I explained what we were doing here and Snip’s predicament, John mentioned that he was there with Media credentials and wanted to know if Snips would like to join him Sunday -- when he was scheduled to interview Ashley?  Just as we started to make plans in order to make “Plan B” work, along comes another buddy of mine from OSWCC -- James Simkins.  After another update on Snip’s situation with Ashley, James tells us not only does he have a Jedi Master VIP level admission badge -- but that he has NO idea who this “Ashley Eckstein” person is, nor any real interest in cupcakes.  That same moment -- before Snips tried to kill him for saying he didn't know who Ashley was ;) -- is when we all came up with the idea of James and Snips trading badges, just long enough for her to go inside the VIP event: find Ashley… and show her the Rebel Pilot helmet... mission accomplished!  Of course, this is when Snips started to get “cold feet” about the idea of meeting Ashley on her own; to which I offered her the advise that only an older brother can, for the entire main hallway to hear:

“TAKE THE (FRAKKING) BADGE!!!”  (only I didn’t say “frakking” ;) )  

So Snips and James trade badges, she grabs one of the release forms everyone attending the event had to sign -- because they were filming the event for a (then) undisclosed project -- and made it inside just as the doors were closed.

Snips92 trained by her "Master"

After James and I waited outside for about 20 minutes, Snips emerged from the VIP Lounge a happy camper!!! Not only did she meet Ashley (who LOVED the helmet BTW) but she also got invited (by Ashley) to come back Saturday morning for the “Her Universe” fans photo shoot -- where Snips got to be a fashion model for the Her Universe website; coached by none other then Ashley Eckstein herself.

In fact, not only did Snips get to meet "Snips" at Celebration VI, but if you watched the episode of "Cupcake Wars" that aired this week -- you'll see Snips92 featured (twice) in the footage from the cupcake event held during Celebration!!!

Now you may be asking, “Krash – why is this YOUR favorite story from Celebration VI?”  And the answer is simple: because while it’s true I got to meet my childhood hero -- Mark Hamill -- and get a picture taken with him… the saga of Snips92 meeting Ashley Eckstein was one of those moments where I got to utilize some of the many professional/personal friendships I've built up with fellow Star Wars fans to payback Snips’ financial help in getting me to Celebration VI.  Plus, she’s family and like I always say, to quote John Crichton/Farscape:

“That’s my family Pilot, EVERYTHING begins with family!”

Tales of the Metal Bikini

by: Sheikahchica and Mira_Darkstar

One of the things that has become synonymous with Star Wars Celebration VI are the “Slave Leia” costumers of The Rebel Legion. And this sisterhood of the metal bikini featured a number of members from Great Lakes Base; some of them wearing the costume for the first time – while others are veterans of past Celebrations and local comic book conventions. And since I’m the last person anyone wants to associate with the Slave Leia costume, I’ll let the girls tell their own story.

photo courtesy Brian Baker

“This was my second time attending a Star Wars Celebration as a slave Leia, explained Sheikahchica (Lindsay) , so I had an idea of what to expect. Being stopped in the hallways wasn't as bad this year; I can thank my new 'sandstorm' upgrade for that!  After the Blu-Ray version of ‘Return of the Jedi’ showed Leia wrapped in a serape-like outfit, I decided a canon cover-up for the bikini was in order!  I think because people did not initially see the top of the bikini that they did not recognize me as a slave Leia. I did have one small boy walk by and say, ‘You're from the deleted scene,’ which really made my day.  A few others pointed it out, but in the end, it was really just a nice way to explore the con virtually unnoticed without having to worry about being stopped for too many pictures; and I could walk at a faster pace, knowing I had the cloak to cover up anything my swaying skirt might betray.”

photo by Rebel Legion UK

“I did get a wonderful chance to recreate an art piece by Chris Trevas that featured sandstorm Leia and Han back on the Millennium Falcon entitled ‘His Vision Returns.’ I was so taken with the piece, I was determined to recreate it.  I was so glad to have fellow Rebel Legion member Greg (theeviltwin) from the Elstree Base play the part of Han, at the Belgiun Garrison's Millennium Falcon interior set.  I have the artist's email and plan to send him copies of the photos we took.”

“Working the Gentle Giant booth was fun as always, and I took quick breaks for the Great Lakes Base and The Rebel Legion photo shoots. Other than that, it was getting into character with Jabba!  Sometimes I was joined by other Slave Leias, who were either just passing by or wanted one picture and they would get stuck taking dozens by all the fans that stopped by! When I was solo, I was able to get comfy, laying in the pillows curled around Jabba's tail -- once even wrapping the end of my chain around Jabba's hand for more authenticity!”

photo courtesy
Anna Rossman

Another member of Great Lakes Base, Mira_Darkstar (Anna) was joining the sisterhood of the “metal bikini” at Celebration VI. Like Lindsay, she was volunteering part of her weekend at the Gentle Giant Jabba display. A bunch of us from GLB visited the Gentle Giant Jabba and got pictures while Lindsay and Anna were working there. What is ironic about the Gentle Giant Jabba display is that it was a great place to do some “people watching” – even for the Slave Leia girls, as Anna explains.

“My experience over the weekend dressed as Slave Leia was not as bad as I thought it would be," recalls Anna.  "People asking for photos were very nice and courteous about it and not creepy at all; or at least, I blocked them from my mind over the weekend.  Also, one advantage of being at the Gentle Giant booth -- all day on Thursday -- was being able to see everyone I know who attended CVI at some point.”

During Celebration VI, The 501st sponsored a “Shoot-a-Trooper” charity fundraiser with The Peter Mayhew Foundation. While the event was advertised as strictly a 501st project, someone got the idea to invite the Slave Leias over to help promote the event. Here is Lindsay’s recount of what it’s like facing a NERF firing squad.

photo courtesy of Sara Faulkner

“The Slave Leia appearance at the ‘Shoot-a-Trooper’ booth was a lot of fun, and we had more girls turn up than we originally planned – about a dozen, if I recall correctly? We had JUST enough safety-glasses for all the girls. Daniel Logan (young Boba Fett) was happy to sacrifice time out of his day to join the ladies in dodging NERF darts. In fact, he took MOST of the NERF darts --including a shot to the groin by a little boy (dressed as Jango Fett) who Logan ordered to ‘take his best shot.’ That he did! Daniel Logan was an awesome sport-- even borrowing my vibro axe and spinning it around like an expert to give the crowd a show. That same axe actually saved me from a few darts; though one hit my lip before the organizers ordered NO face/head shots. Sadly, more people were content on taking pictures rather than taking shots -- that is until the Leias all spoke up... telling them it was for charity and to donate to the Mayhew Foundation. More people stepped up after that!”

photo courtesy Mark Siriunas

“I was also one of three Slave Leias chosen to keep Jabba ‘entertained’ during the 501st Bash; which was an amazing experience. We got to meet Jabba (and his puppeteers) the day before, and get a feel for the stage. During the party, I was second to go on-stage, and I got a small twinge of stage-fright beforehand. We were instructed to remain ‘in-character’ during our performance, which I was sure I could do. The first ‘Leia’ had started out in character before she started dancing, so I figured that I’d do the same thing. I chained myself to the Hutt and sat next to him, looking defiant and disgusted by his waggling tongue. I would even 'tug' on the chain at times before 'reluctantly' dancing. Many times, I would look to the crowd, motioning for anyone with a lightsaber to cut through the chain. I did have one Han costumer pull out his blaster and mimic shooting the chain, but I merely shrugged at him, showing him the unbroken chain. 

One of the exciting parts of the night was when Seth Green came onstage to help out with awarding the door prizes.  At one point, while someone else was talking, he came over to me and shook my hand asking how it was going, ‘Oh you know...chained to a Hutt’was my response. I continued to stay in character by holding up the chain and asking, ‘You don't have a lightsaber to cut this, do you?’ He smirked and shook his head apologetically, ‘Nope, sorry!’  He then stepped back and pulled out his phone, getting a great shot of me, Jabba, and C-3P0. When the other speaker asked what he was doing he replied, 'Sorry - I can't pass up a photo-op like this!' I am now proud to say that I am in Seth Green's phone! ;P

I received many compliments throughout that night and the rest of the con, by people who said I danced wonderfully, and loved how I brought the character to life on-stage. It definitely made me feel less self-conscious and proud that I was able to do such an iconic character justice!”

photo courtesy Robert Lucas

“Overall, I did get to check out more of the convention – compared to last time," said Lindsay, "though some of it I didn't get to see until Sunday.  I loved working for Gentle Giant, they are always so great to me! I would do it again in a heartbeat!"

“My Celebration VI experience was a blast,” said Anna, “from meeting people I have only briefly met before or talked with on the forums, as well as other random people, like the Australians. On my last day, I was even got to meet the gal who made my green Mara dress... she is from New Zealand!”

I am a Jedi.... like Mark Hamill before me!

Star Wars Celebrations are a good time to see multiple people dressed as the same character and different costumes of the same character.  At Star Wars Celebration VI, there was to be a “Stages of Luke Skywalker” photo shoot.  As a Luke costumer, I was excited for this photo shoot with other Luke costumers.  Fellow Great Lakes Base member Chris “Lumpy” Blackstock (Dark Empire Luke) took charge of the shoot. 

photos courtesy of BrianKenobi

There were total of eleven members of The Rebel Legion taking part in the photo op located in front of one of the “Celebration” banners.  The costumes represent were: ANH deleted scenes farmboy, farm boy, blast shield, ceremonial, two Bespin Lukes (one later took the coat off for the Dagobah style), Jabba’s palace, Endor, Death Star duel, Death Star duel post duel (grey flat), and Dark Empire.  We even had a “mini me” Luke with us.  Our group drew a crowd of people for pictures.  One fan brought his toddler -- dressed as Luke -- to join us for a few pictures.  Later, a girl dressed as Mara Jade also got a picture with our group; sort like “The Bachelorette” Star Wars style. 

"You can waste time with your friends
when your chores are done!"

After our photo shoot was done, Chris said that we should “invade uncle Mark,” so we started walking back to his autograph booth.  The crowd on the floor was commenting on seeing eleven "Luke-a-likes" (as we became known) walking together; it was quite the scene.  Along the way, we stopped at the Tatooine set to take some more pictures.

When we got to Marks autograph booth, none of us expected to get an audience with him.  We talked with the Official Pix guy, and were told “no” a few times.  Then, we were told that Mark would be going from his autograph booth to the photo booth in a little under two hours and that maybe we could catch him there?  We still persisted to get a picture with him.  Later, the Official Pix guy came by and said “wait one minute” and went behind the curtain.  We looked to each other as if to say, “is this going to happen?”  He came back after about 30 seconds and the said, “if you guys walk back behind the curtain area, Mark will be out in a minute.”  Was this actually going to happen?

Mark Hamill and the "Luke-a-likes"

 We walked behind the curtain area and got in a semi circle in chronological order like we did for our photo shoot.  A few minutes later, Mark Hamill walked in.  He saw us and said, “you guys are all me,” with this big smile on his face!  He joined us at the center of our group and pretty soon everyone was taking pictures.  The Luke-a-like who carried the blast shield helmet from ANH handed it to Mark and he tried it on.  Mark was having a ball!  Then, the Luke-a-like with the binoculars handed them to Mark, who looked through them and maybe made a funny comment.  Everyone was having a great time!

After all the pictures were taken, Mark shook each of our hands and said, “This is awesome guys!”  He thanked us for stopping by and asking to get a photo with him.  It was tough to see who was happier, the Luke-a-likes or Luke Skywalker himself?