Date: Sunday, March 10, 2013
Place: Chicago, IL
Tour of Duty (4 x 1.5 hours)
Steve Dembo - 9526 - TIE
Phyllis Schulte - 1951 - Gunner
Dave Klima - 12155 - TK
Matt Frysztaki - 8596 - Darth o' Vader
This was an interesting troop that definitely demonstrated the commitment of the MWG to making good, even when the deck is stacked against them. The intention was to march in the Southside Irish Parade, which has been resurrected as a family friendly parade in recent years. Unfortunately, due to a variety of circumstances including projected rainshowers throughout the parade, we only had 4 people turn out. As Phyllis stated so eloquently, "I don't mind marching wet, but I do mind march wet and looking pathetic!"
Our changing station was the family home of one of the current organizers and the parade's original founders. There were about 5 or 6 kids there getting ready for the parade and looking at us with hopeful eyes. While we had already decided not to march due to the low turnout, we decided to make the most of it and at least create an epic morning for the kids there. We brought in our gear boxes, suited up and did a mini-troop just for their family and friends. The kids had a blast dueling with Vader, testing out a variety of blasters, and getting some pics with the Fightin' 501st.
Since we were suited up and had a little time before they were closing the house, we decided to make a quick trip over to the parade staging area. Every 20 feet or so, we had to stop for photos. People were literally running up the block to grab pics of the kilted Vader. We walked a few blocks, greeting the hardcore families and kids that were out in the steady drizzle, getting ready to enjoy the parade despite the weather. We may not have been IN the parade, but we definitely did our part to get people in the spirit of the day. And based on the screams of the kids on the school bus as we turned the corner back to the house, I'd say we made a few memories.
MAJOR props to Phyllis, Dave and Matt for sticking it out and making the troop an epic success! The family was thrilled and knows we'll definitely be back next year... and in greater numbers! Mark your calendars for March 16, 2014 now
