Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL
August 6-7, 2005
Story and Photos by Chris Spice (Darth Spice)

 

A SLIGHT DECLINE BUT STILL A VERY GOOD TIME
The weekend crowd that packed the Steve Sansweet presentation was a little more rowdy than the group that filled the room on Friday. I joined some fellow Midwest Garrison members for an honorary membership for a Star Wars artist Jan Duursema. It was pretty cool to participate in this ceremony since I am still a very new member in this very vast and large group.

I spent the day doing photos with guests and even taking some myself with Mick Foley, Virgil, Durge and a whole slew of personalities that are sure to accompany any Wizard event. Doing the “2 sweet – 4 Life” with Virgil, a good ol’ bang bang from Mick, it was pretty cool to entertain and add some life to a show that seems to be on the decline if you compared it to '04 and especially '03. This is coming from the perspective of a Star Wars fan so you really have to judge it for that. However, there were not as many people dressed up which as much as I hate to see it, the freaks were missed!

There were many highlights of the weekend. The interview with Steve was a great time, however suiting up and embarking on my first steps as TK7306 was pretty amazing too. I had minimal problems with my armor and nothing that can’t be fixed. As many members have told me the armor is forever a “work in progress.”

Another big feature could have been several photos of the new Darth Maul and Boba Fett statues coming from Gentle Giant. I was told to keep his identity a secret but I couldn’t resist sharing these images with our ranks! It was hard to really say this show was better, but again I just came off the greatest Star Wars experience of my life at Celebration III four months ago so it is really not a fair comparison. I’d strongly advise attending for at least one day if you are ever in the vicinity. United We Find Troopers, it was truly a pleasure to serve in the Sandtrooper Army this weekend!

PHOTO GALLERY
To see the photo gallery containing 29 photos click here.