Boo at the Zoo - Episode Two

photo courtesy Snips92

As you’d imagine, the weekend before Halloween is a very busy time for us here in Great Lakes Base.  All across the region, local communities were having their kid-friendly Trick-or-Treating events.  This includes a return visit to the Cleveland Metropark Zoo, for the final “Boo at the Zoo” weekend.

What a difference a week makes: the weather had turned a bit cold and rainy then last week, with the approach of Hurricane Sandy – so everyone had to bundle up more then last week.  But anyone who remembers our first year trooping at this event – when the weather changed from cold rain…to hail… to wet snow, in a matter of minutes – would say this was mild by comparison; ya gotta love northeast Ohio weather!  The good news is, the weather didn’t seem to discourage many people from coming out dressed in costume to enjoy the zoo’s Halloween fun.

Star Wars Dance Party!

The weather did force those of us from Great Lakes Base and Ohio Garrison to change our “battle strategy” for the evening.  While we did start off posing for pictures by the main entrance (TKs and certain Princesses aren’t equipped for “cold” climates) we ended up wandering over to the Elephant Crossing exhibit and warmed up by watching the elephants play for a while.  After warming up a bit, we decided to move further up the hill and passed the tent where there was a kids’ DJ dance party going on…

If you were sensing “a disturbance in the Force” at this prospect, you’d be right! ;)

Thankfully, we left it up to Sheikahchica, Snips92 and the TKs to hit the dance floor during some crowd favorites such as: The Hokey Pokey, YMCA and the ever-popular Gangnam Style!  And before you ask… YES, there’s video of all the shenanigans.

VIDEO: GLB and OG go "Gangnam Style"

After the Star Wars dance party, we made our way over to the Wolf Lodge – where once again, our musician friends played their entire “Star Wars” playlist to welcome us back.  I’ll tell ya who seemed to enjoy the colder temperatures this week – the wolves!  This weekend, two of them decided to come out of hiding in the woods (within their enclosure) just long enough for us to get a good look at them. Maybe next year, we should get some 104th “Wolf Pack” Clonetroopers to convince them we’re the good guys! ;)

GLB/OG "Wolf Pack"

GLB "Mission Photos" - Boo at the Zoo (both weekends)

Great Lakes Base would like to thank Cleveland Metropark Zoo (and all their sponsors) for hosting “Boo at the Zoo” and allowing us to be part of two weekends of Halloween FUN!

Boo at the Zoo - Episode One

photo courtesy Snips92

One of my favorite annual trooping events is “Boo at the Zoo” at The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.  There's a few of us who've been participating in “Boo at the Zoo” for several years; longer then many of our current members have been part of The Rebel Legion.  “Boo at the Zoo” has grown to become one of the Cleveland area’s signature events during the Halloween season and tickets to this kid-friendly event are SOLD OUT weeks in advance. Kid-friendly events... "it's what we do!"

On what turned out to be a beautiful fall evening, members from Great Lakes Base, Mando Mercs and Ohio Garrison were on hand to interact with zoo guest as they entered the zoo for an evening of Halloween fun!  And we’re not the only costumed characters guest can take pictures with: “Slider” from the Cleveland Indians, the Energizer Bunny, the Duck Tape “Duck” and our good friends Cinderella and “Pirate Captain” Pe-Chee from past years.  This may sound funny, coming from people who dress up in costumes all year round, but one of my favorite parts of trooping during “Boo at the Zoo” is the chance to see what types of costumes the public is wearing.  As you’d imagine, “The Avengers” were well represented, as were many of your favorite comic book and Disney characters.  In addition, you had a lot of people who made their own impressive costumes.  Star Wars is still a popular theme with many of the kids attending “Boo at the Zoo” – including one little Darth Vader who got to battle this Jedi, over by the tigers exhibit; we’ll call it a “draw.” ;)

Having fun at Wolf Lodge

After walking around the zoo for a while, leading our lone TK by the light of lightsabers, we decided to meet with the rest of our party – who switched over to street clothes – over at the Wolf Lodge.  Inside the cabin, they always have a pair of costumed musicians sitting over by the fireplace – this year, they were matching fall colored trees.  And if we Star Wars characters hangout by them long enough… they always seem to find time to play “Imperial March” for us – which always gets a big response from the crowd.

GLB "Mission Photos" - Boo at the Zoo 10/20

We’ll be back for the final weekend of this year’s “Boo at the Zoo” (Saturday only) – so if you’re planning on attending, come by and see us over at the main entrance.

Star Wars Reads - Night and Day

photo courtesy of
Brunswick Library

For the Great Lakes Base and Ohio Garrison, “Star Wars Reads Day” actually started the night before – at the Brunswick Public Library.  You may remember we’d (not long ago) visited that library for Free Comic Book Day, and the response by the public was so overwhelmingly positive that the library decided to host a second Star Wars themed (after hours) event.  And just like last time, many of the librarians decided to get dressed up and help make the evening full of Star Wars/Reading FUN!

This time around, I decided to go with my Jedi costume – which may have been a tactical error (on my part) when you realize that I’m the 6’2” guy carrying a lightsaber, in a room full of maybe a dozen kids wearing Darth Vader Halloween costumes – oh… it was ON!!!

The next morning, after some breakfast while watching the newest episode of “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” – it was time to head over to Barnes and Noble at Crocker Park.  This was our first time EVER trooping at the popular outdoor shopping mall.  As you’d expect, both the staff and costumers were excited to have us there for “Star Wars” story-time – complete with homemade cookies – and all sorts of games and activities for the kids.

One of the great things about Crocker Park is the relaxed atmosphere and fun things people can see/do while they’re shopping. Now, I don’t know if the mall’s designers had Darth Vader and Princess Leia in mind when they put in the over-sized chessboard in the plaza (across from Barnes and Noble) but I can tell you that it draws a crowd to see what is going on.  In fact, the early fall weather made it perfect for us to stand around outside – using a “jedi mind trick” to draw shoppers and other passersby over to see what was going on at Barnes and Noble.  As things drew to a close, everyone started wanting to take more and more goofy pictures like: Darth Vader reading “Game of Thrones” or a bunch of Star Wars characters riding the escalator.

Checkout more "Mission Photos" from Star Wars Reads HERE!

Books-A-Million

But the day wasn’t over, as most of our Crocker Park crew packed up our gear to drive over to Sandusky, Ohio – over by where Sheikahchica lives – for her local SWR event at a Books-A-Million store. Despite being later in the day then most SWR events, this was another region of northeast Ohio we’ve never had the opportunity to troop – so you can imagine how thrilled people were to see us!  The staff at Books-A-Million had come up with all kinds of local games, puzzles and even trivia contests (with separate divisions for adults and kids) to entertain shoppers as they checked out the latest Star Wars books.  Would you believe this one teenager knew his Star Wars trivia so well, not only did he win the “Jedi Master” (adults) division – but he also stumped some of the Star Wars characters? 

Star Wars Reads Day Strikes Back

by Vacuum:

photos courtesy of Vacuum

At the Royal Oak Library “Star Wars Reads Day” event, I was the lone Great Lakes Base member – along with a few troopers from Great Lakes Garrison.  It was a nicely done event with around twenty families; mostly younger children and everyone seemed to really have a great time.  Even some members of the library staff got into the spirit of the day and dressing up as well.  

There were different stations set up where the Padawans could build their own pool noodle lightsabers and then practice their skills on balloon training remotes.  They could also create Wookiee and Ewok puppets, fill out activity sheets, win prizes (which every child received), and of course get their pictures taken with real live Star Wars characters.  According to the librarians, there were A LOT of Star Wars books checked out of the library, as well by the little readers.

Checkout more GLB "Mission Photos" - Star Wars Reads Day

photo courtesy of DerekLane-Waters 

 Later that day, I also trooped the Barnes and Noble store in Troy, Michigan and it was nice to have some Rebel Fleet Trooper backup from Jawa Juice and Sgt Sunedead with all the outnumbering Imperials running about. ;)  There was storytelling and cookies, lots of photo opportunities, and many happily surprised store patrons (and employees who were wonderful) of all ages.  

I'd definitely say the day was a success and I hope to see it become and annual event that improves each year.

Star Wars Reads - Commerce Township Library

by rob2112

With so many events taking place this past weekend within Great Lakes Base and Great Lakes Garrison, we picked up and moved to the Commerce Township Library.  The staff there were all wonderful to us. The library held their “Star Wars Reads Day” event in a separate room, just for us!  We even had our own little area for photo-ops, while many activities were going on simultaneously.  

photo courtesy of rob2112

Kids got to make their own lightsaber, out of what looked to be something like swimming noodles.  They also could make their own edible lightsabers? Here the kids took a pretzel rod and spread frosting over half the pretzel, then put whatever color sprinkles they wanted on them.  They also had a Star Wars LEGO table, “Star Wars” bowling, find your Jedi name, make “Star Wars” paper bag puppets, and lots and lots of Star Wars books.

The librarians said they ordered almost all the books specifically for this event, because they did not have many Star Wars books!

TKSage and rob2112

While the kids’ behavior was a little on the “dark side” – they were all very excited to see us.  At one point I had as many as six kids -- beating me down with their lightsabers!  I kept telling them, "your suppose to be on my side, get the Stormtrooper!”

There had to be at least 20-30 kids in there when the event started.  I think every single kid there got a picture with us.  Overall, this was a very successful event!  The library informed us they would like us back in the spring for “May the 4th be with you” -- hope I am free to troop this library again! Glad to pair up with Dave Sage from Great Lakes Garrison to at least have one Rebel, and one Trooper at both of our events.

Star Wars Reads Rocks!!

Star Wars Reads Day - Comic City

by: rob2112

photo courtesy of rob2112

First, I would like to thank all the staff at Comic City for hosting this “Star Wars Reads Day” event; we had a very good time.  The event was not very busy, but the store just recently moved to a new location.  My Kids and wife Shannon also came to the event and they had a lot of fun.  It was just David Sage from Great Lakes Garrison and myself (Jedi). Comic City had a coloring area for the kids, Star Wars cookies that the kids could spread frosting and sprinkles on.  They also had plenty of Star Wars books all over the store.

One bit of excitement, and we feel really bad about this, but the owners were very sweet about it: my three year old pulled the fire alarm -- 15 minutes before we were scheduled to leave. The local fire department had to actually come down there to turn the alarm off.

“Uh, we had a slight weapons malfunction, but uh... everything's perfectly all right now. We're fine. We're all fine here now, thank you.”

Aside from that, I would say the event was a success!!!!

Central Ohio Congenital Heart Walk 2012

by: bountyhunterq

photo courtesy bountyhunterq

The weekend of Ohio Comic Con, members of the Great Lakes Base, Rancor Mercs Clan, and Ohio Garrison broke away from the Ohio Comic Convention Sunday morning and put aside their intergalactic differences to attend the 2012 Central Ohio Congenital Heart Walk.  This fundraiser is for research and assistance for children born with heart defects.  Last year, the walk series raised over one million dollars and is on track to blow past that mark this year! Mercs, Rebels, and Imperials were on hand for photo-ops, crowd interaction, and cheering on the runners and walkers.

Race volunteers, walkers, and their supporters were all very excited to see the costumers coming and have requested us attend again next year!

To learn more and support the cause, visit: http://www.congenitalheartwalk.org/

Ohio Comic Con

photo courtesy of Col-Mas

Great Lakes Base, along with Ohio Garrison, Mando Mercs, OSWCC all converged on the Greater Columbus Convention Center – for the newly renamed Wizard World Ohio Comic Con.  The event, formerly known as Mid-Ohio Con has a long-standing tradition as the signature comic book/pop culture convention in the buckeye state. And to be honest, the only event more highly anticipated in Columbus is the Ohio State vs Michigan football game!

This was Wizards’ second year hosting the convention and overall the experience was encouraging.  First, they moved into one of the larger exhibit halls within the Great Columbus Convention Center -- which I can’t begin to describe how appreciated that is by fans wearing layers of plastic armor and jedi robes.  The second improvement was an expanded lineup of media guests for fans to meet. 

Sadly, Stan Lee was forced to cancel his appearance at Ohio Comic Con, where Great Lakes Base was to present him with his very own “Friend of the Rebellion” honorary membership within The Rebel Legion – including some original artwork, inspired by the classic MARVEL “Star Wars” comic books designed by GLB’s very one Travis Perkins.  In a statement, Stan “The Man” Lee explains the reason for his absence:

"In an effort to be more like my fellow Avenger, Tony Stark, I have had an electronic pace-maker placed near my heart to insure that I’ll be able to lead thee for another 90 years."

Great Lakes Base would like to send along our well wishes to the “beloved Generalissimo” and creator of MARVEL comics. Feel better, and we look forward to you returning to future Ohio Comic Cons -- EXCELSIOR!!!

Great Lakes Base: Heroes Made Here!

Meanwhile, Ohio Comic Con had an impressive lineup of guest in attendance, including, Patrick Stewart (Star Trek TNG and X-Men), Dean Cain (Lois and Clark: the new adventures of Superman), Eliza Patricia Dushku “Buffy”, Norman Reedus, Sean Patrick Flanery & David Della Rocca, (Boondock Saints), Val Kilmer (Top Gun and Batman Forever) and many others. Most conventions would be hurting if their two top-billing names were forced to cancel on such short notice, but Wizards’ backup plan was something most conventions can only wish for.

In addition to an outstanding lineup of guests, Great Lakes Base and all the other Star Wars costume groups had their all-star arsenal of costumes (both Star Wars and others) on display for fans to take pictures with.  Star Wars costumes dominated the floor of the convention center, but events like Ohio Comic Con allow our members to show off some of their other costuming interests and talents.  One minute you’d have Jedi Knights – trading in for TARDIS time travelers, Galactic Senators from Naboo and Aldreaan – getting in touch with their “dark side” as Catwoman or Black Widow, and Tusken Jedi Padawans – becoming fierce Predators… taking the Wizards’ costume contest home as their trophy.

GLB "Mission Photos" - Ohio Comic Con

Based on all the positive feedback from the relaunch of Ohio Comic Con, it looks like Columbus is going to continue to be the destination city for comic book/pop culture conventions here in “the buckeye state” for many years to come.