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DAY 2:
SANDTROOPERS SECURE THE FACILITY
 We
began the first official day of Wizard World by taking part in our
own version of “foot patrol." I met Dustrho in what was nearly a
pre-dawn raid of the Donald Stephens Convention Center. After
hauling my gear inside, I suited up and was ready for battle by the
time the crowd was allowed inside the building. We took part and
help create distractions for “Master Vos” as he signed autographs
for the many Republic comic book fans. However staying in one area
you can really start to cook in armor so we stuck Jedi Scholar with
the duty of taking photos while we were literally stopped every ten
feet. The crowds and especially the kids were such a great reminder
of why you join a group as elite as the 501st Legion. As
much as I enjoyed surveying the show with TD 1043 and TK 4117, I
really liked some of the other costumes that were there as well.
 We
managed to sneak through the very packed autograph area to catch
Daniel Logan and Ray Park signing away as proceeds would go to the
Give Life Foundation.
I spent a few moments learning a little bit about this organization,
which was summarized to me as something like a blood bank of the
future, but much more including organs. With tragedies like 911 and
other horrors that are in this world, I really can see where
something like this would be of great use, in a time of need.
 After
surveying the morning crowd, we spent a little bit of time having
fun with some of the vendors. Including ST sponsor
Brian’s Toys who appeared
to be incredibly busy but still took a moment to snap a shot for our
patrol. After thanking him again for his very generous Sandblast
gift, we decided we wanted more action. After that I had to sneak
back to the Federation Toys
booth for repairs but my counterparts were able to have quite a bit
of fun take some pointers in the ring that was set up in the Exhibit
area. After a quick repair job I was back on Patrol.
 The
three of us took over the Spike TV booth that was playing host to
TNT Wrestlers like the famous Raven! However the booth was now ours
and the flashbulbs were popping like movie theater popcorn, as we
were able to grab a nice view from above. After trying to explain to
the DJ that Stormtroopers do not dance so well, more because of the
armor vs. our ethnicity! However I did take an attempt at scratch DJ
on the turntables! After relinquishing control, we decided to break
for lunch and since we have two more days on duty I decided to dress
down and simply enjoy the show.
 I
had a great time checking out Agent Tweeny have a good time razzing
the crowd with his Cobra Commander costume he has constructed. There
were quite a few Space Marines, Super Heroes and even Indiana Jones
that provided a wide variety of characters for people to snap
pictures with. We had a special visitor or two at the Federation
Toys booth as Star Wars Artist Dave Dorman came by to let us know he
would be stopping by the booth on Saturday to hang out for a few
hours. We’ll be looking forward to that, however I was really
delighted when Ray Park dropped by just to say hey and see how we
were all doing since the last event we were all gathered at. After
spending a few minutes with us, we made way back to the autograph
area where Ray gave a demonstration with a double-bladed F/X Saber
for fans. Even Daniel Logan got in on the act, as he attempted to
spin the Sith blades behind the curtain where the crowd couldn’t
see!
All in all a
really great day, and while not much from Star Wars exhibitors there
is still enough of a Star Wars presence to make this show worth the
trip. Stay tuned to tomorrow for our full report as we begin our
weekend coverage and continue our siege of the Windy City!
PHOTO GALLERY
To see the photo gallery
containing 98 photos click
here.
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