We got off to a rocky start. Sunny and 87, when the forecast said 82. Step off was at 1 pm, but we didn't take to the parade route until almost 2:45. Luckily, we had a nice piece of shade to wait in, lots of water, a nice breeze, and some good troopers.
Once the parade finally stepped off, we were, as usual, the hit of the day. There were so many people lining the streets, and they all were super excited to see us come down to wrap up the parade. People would jump off the curbs to get pictures with us. Kids lined the streets, arms extended, in hopes of getting a fist bump. I've already seen on twitter people saying we were their favorite part of the parade, and we had a fan post to our facebook page "Best Swedish Day Parade ever. The Midwest Garrison, once again, didn't disappoint.
This parade was also the trial run for the Mark I model of the Star Destroyer Wagon/Float. Created by Hawk Worley and Patrick Lewis, the Star Destroyer Wagon/Float carried two future members, and current Galactic Academy members in their Imperial Officer costumes.
We even managed to get a minor donation made. A group of cars were in front of us at the staging area, and asked us to pose with them. Afterward, the gentleman asked us who we were, and after explaining, he took a $20 out of his wallet and tried to give it to us. Instead, Lord Maul handed him his trading card, and explained that he should go to our website and look at what charities we support, and send it wherever he'd like, in our name. Not much, but a welcome surprise.
We had a GREAT turnout of troopers.
12 troopers x 4 hours each = 48 hours trooped
Kevin Glass - SL 2834 Darth Vader
Ted Ruler - SL 36285 Darth Maul
Neil Auer - IG 3446 Imperial Gunner
Jose Mata - TX 19800 Shadow Trooper
Kevin Skiera - TK 9336 Stormtrooper
Eric Werner - TK 41551 Stormtrooper
Patrick Lewis - TK 52809 Stormtrooper
Chris Cauwells - IC 82659 Imperial Crewman
Kim Worley - DZ 12108 Tusken
Paul Machnick - BH 11222 Boba Fett
Steve Mammen - 7345 Xwing Pilot
Patrick Kluehr - DZ 10040 Handler, Photographer, Waterboy
Honorable mention to Hawk Worley for taking pictures as well.
