Wauconda Library Extravaganza.
This was a hell of an event. We were so fortunate that the weather was clear and not ‘so’ cold. The only thing that was a downer, was the fact that the elevators were not working. So as troopers showed up, they had to take their costumes down 2 flights of stairs. Not fun.
Otherwise, Regina and her staff were ready and waiting for us. They had done such a fantastic job organizing and preparing for our arrival that we were blown away at every detail even the small ones! All over the children’s area (and it was a LARGE area) there were Star Wars decorations, stations where the kids could play games, earn stamps, and win prizes. And there were MANY prizes.
Not to mention a HUGE banner that welcomed us and the guests as you walked into the children's seciont. AND a 1:1 scale cardboard cutout of Darth Vader waiting. Yes, even our resident Vader – Jason stood by the paper idol of ‘himself’ and got a few pics done.
Many troopers came for this one, some from WI and as far south as the Joliet area to attend.
Not just kids were having all the fun. A couple of families decided to participate in the festivities with the kids.
Once we were dressed and ready, Regina was so very happy seeing us and ecstatic that so many of us decided to come. I have to admit I was moved that just our presence could bring so much joy to one person. Yes there are the kids and family, but one could see the hours of effort and work put into this event and for us to be there was definitely the ‘icing on the cake’
This troop also marked a ‘first’ for three up and coming troopers, Matt McDonald, Adriane Beans, and Kevin Skiera. Matt (at the time) had his unfinished TK. But that didn’t bother the kids none, they were thrilled to see him, and for his first time out, Matt was ecstatic. He was lucky to have his ever-diligent girlfriend Jessica there to make sure he didn’t step on any unsuspecting younglings.
Props go to Tom Schaeffer for lending his costume to Adriane and she wore it with pride. She and Kevin were a big help making sure us troopers had eyes everywhere. Both had so much fun and are hoping to troop with us again real soon.
Kevin Skiera, was wearing my IC to the event and had a blast. I’ll be keeping him updated to new and upcoming events.
All in all this was a great day and so many troopers had fun. I have to say that Regina and her staff really took care of us more than a lot of troops I’ve been. We even had two separate bathrooms to ourselves! LOL.
At the end, Regina came back to the dressing area to express her gratitude to all of us and to inform me that she had donated $250.00 to the Misericordia Home – Charity which helps house Down syndrome patients. If you'd like to know more about this place here's a link: www.misericordia.com
There was talk of a possible upcoming troop, but we’ll just have to see.
All who were in attendance was:
Jason Patterson - SL 1719
Scott Goebel - IG 6773
Brad Riverdahl - IG1739
Neil Auer - TK 3446
Chris Schwarz - TB 9442
Aimee Jorgenson - TB 101
Cheryl Whitaker - Jedi
Matt McDonald - TK 8148
Thomas "Crix" Turner - Photographer/Handler
Jeff Baron - TI 9131
Rookies:
Kevin Skiera
Adriane Bean
Thank you everyone for making this an awesome time.
Pictures courtesy of Crix!
-River
