Event Name: Kid's Expo 2017
Venue: Moraine Valley Fitness & Rec Center
Venue address: 9000 W. College Pky. Palos Hills, IL. 60465
Donation/Money Raised: No donations received for this particular event. This was a family oriented event, geared towards children.
Persons in attendance: 10,000 – 13,000
Saturday Total hours trooped: 16
Troopers involved: 2
* 02/25/17 IL Palos Hills - Kid's Expo 2017
- Ray Bosques (Rex Fett) BH-3499 / Garrison Commander (EvCo)
Chris Borba (Borba10) TI-10908 / TIE Pilot – Reserve
Troopers involved: 11
* 02/26/17 IL Palos Hills - Kid's Expo 2017
- Kent Heath (TK1692) TR-1692 / Royal Guard
Ray Bosques (Rex Fett) BH-3499 / Garrison Commander and Spokesperson for news interview
Brian Gurak (Amarok) SL-10126 / Darth Revan
Kim Gurak (diamond156) ID-10179 / Juno Eclipse (Rogue Shadow)
Samantha Robinson (inyri) ID-10984 / Imperial Staff Officer (Black)
Blair Douglas (ladysolo14) DZ-13140 / Jyn Erso
Chris Robinson (PirateYeti) TI- 31276 / TIE Pilot - Reserve
TJ Wonogas (tacosunday) TI-33431 / TIE Pilot - Reserve
Joe Bialek (tx41574) TA-41574 / AT-AT Driver
Tim Dunne (Modal Nodes Roadie) TI-54750 / TIE Pilot - Reserve
Mike Dickinson (Avatar190) TI-66598 / TIE Pilot: ANH (EvCo)
Heather Dickinson (Faylyn) TI-66599 / TIE Pilot: ANH
Sunday, Rex had a very early morning news cast interview with NBC Channel 5 news, who was on hand throughout the day. Tim and TJ were also present for the interview, for their inaugural troop. In the fire service, a TV appearance like that would mean they have to buy Portillo’s cake for the crew…so get on it guys.
When the rest of us arrived, had a little bit of difficulty finding the changing room, as no one present working the Kid’s Expo knew much about where we should be. We brought out the display items for our table, got it set up, and then got changed for the troop.
We posed for pictures with many many families, and all the kids received trading cards. Spoke to many parents about the Galactic Academy, and a few adults about the 501st/Rebel Legion. Everyone was very engaging with the guests of the expo.
As things began to slow down at our booth, we took to the floor, directly engaging the expo guests. We heard rumor of a Star Wars themed Mickey Mouse at the expo, but we were unsuccessful in finding him. We did make it outside, and posed for several more pictures at the petting zoo, located near the entrance.
We didn’t get too much turnout for Saturday, but a great turnout for the Sunday portion of the troop. Made many contacts with guests about our organization, and hopefully have inspired some persons to join either the Galactic Academy, 501st Legion/Rebel Legion, or both…
Picture from the Sunday troop: