From Thursday, June 11, through Sunday, June 14, a town of about 6,500 people will become a real Metropolis, or at least close to it, as thousands of visitors from around the country, and even around the world, visit Metropolis, Illinois for the 38th annual Superman Celebration. This eagerly anticipated yearly event celebrates all things related to the visitor from Krypton, as the town has completely bought into being the hometown of the Man of Steel. And best of all, it’s almost all FREE, except a few special events.
“It’s a chance for people of all ages to come together and just enjoy a weekend of fun,” explained Metropolis Tourism Director Angie Shelton. “You never know who you’ll meet… and you never know what you’ll see!”
The main attractions for many fans of the Superman franchise, as well as other DC Comics-related ventures will be the actors and actresses who portrayed the Man of Steel and his many friends and foes, and allies and enemies, as well as the artists, filmmakers, writers and others who have done work to further the fandom in various franchises, in print, on film, and in other media.
One of the Man of Steel’s stalwart allies is the Fastest Man Alive, and The Flash is currently a sensation on television as the highest-rated program on The CW. On the tv show, the Flash has an intriguing relationship with one Iris West, portrayed by one of this year’s special celebrity guests, Candice Patton. The Flash is actually a spinoff from another highly successful show on The CW, Arrow, recently renewed for a fourth season to begin in the fall. On that show, Caity Lotz portrays Sarah Lance, quite a character. So, fans of these shows will be thrilled to meet these young ladies at the Celebration.
Other great acting talents will be there, including Stacey Haiduk, John Shea, and Diane Sherry Case. Stacey Ms. Haiduk is known for playing the role of “Lana Lang” in the series Superboy, which ran from 1988-1992, while Case is known for her role of “Lana Lang” in Superman (the 1978 film). Shea portrayed Lex Luther in television’s Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.
Comics Guests include Kurt Busiek, Alex Saviuk, Mike Norton, John Jackson Miller, Randyl Bishop, Ken Bailey, Sean Dulaney, Lonnie Easterling, Mitch Foust, Benjamin Glendenning, and Jim Hall. Music Guests Rubik’s Cube will be providing the music for the Rad 80’s Dance Party, Friday Night, June 12th from 7-10 PM under the Main Tent.
Artists and Writers Guests include Trevor Hawkins, Brian K. Morris, Alan Perry, and the children’s book author team Nick Rokicki and Joe Kelley. Other guests include comedian Scott Long, illusionist Morgan, and the Official Celebration Superman cosplayer Josh Boltinghouse.
For more about the events and guests, visit supermancelebration.net
A little known fact is that the legendary African American film pioneer Oscar Micheaux was born on a farm in Metropolis, Illinois on January 2, 1884. Micheaux had a major career as a film producer and director. He produced over 40 films, which drew audiences throughout the US as well as internationally.
Meet Candice Patton
Candice Patton, known for her role as “Iris West” on the hit CW TV series The Flash, was raised in Plano, Texas, where she pursued her childhood dream of becoming an actress. She attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.F.A in Theatre. It was there that she was scouted by The Young and the Restless for a CBS Soap Star Contest and flew out to Los Angeles to briefly join the cast. Candice finished her college education at SMU and moved to Los Angeles shortly after. She has also appeared in other popular soap operas such as The Bold and Beautiful and Days of Our Lives, as well as roles on a long list of well-known TV series including, Entourage, One Tree Hill, CSI: Miami, Castle, Rizzoli & Isles, The Game, About a Boy, and the TV movie The Craigslist Killer.
Candice will be appearing on Saturday, June 13 at the Celebrity Autograph Sessions at the Baymont Theatre. An autograph session ticket will be required to meet this guest. There may be a charge for autographs and photo opportunities.
