August 18, 2001 : Chicago, Illinois, USA

This trip started out somewhat unexpectedly. We -- Robin (SL215) and Roy (TI829) -- had no plans to attend the Wizard World Convention, a huge convention in Chicago. But when TI829 found out that Gene Simmons of KISS was going to be there, he had to go. TI829 is a huge KISS fan, more of a fanatic really. Anyway, TI829 found out that Gene Simmons would be at Wizard Con on the Wednesday before the event was to begin. Frantic plans were made, some begging took place, and three days later we were on the road to Chicago.

The drive there took about 10 hours, thanks to a traffic jam in the middle of Chicago at 2 am. We also had fun at the border with an old border guard who didn't quite grasp the idea of Star Wars costumes. I think he just decided we were freaks and told us to pull over. We had to do some hunting around but managed to get a hotel room where we slept for a few hours...and then we went to the con.

We were astonished at the size of the place -- neither of us had been to a con that big before. After a line-up or two, we eventually got to meet Gene Simmons and have him sign some albums. TI829 almost had a heart attack but managed to survive. We also met Dave Prowse (Darth Vader), Kenny Baker (R2-D2), Michonne Bourriague (Aurra Sing), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Phil Brown (Uncle Owen), and others.

After getting some autographs, we headed out to get suited up. On our way, we met a trooper from the Midwest Garrison. We chatted and were very pleased to find out that their Vader could not make it and that they also didn't have any TIE pilots. Well, that's easily remedied! We rushed to the parking lot and suited up -- Robin as Vader and Roy as a TIE pilot. Changing in parking lots always gets us some interesting looks from people and this was no exception. Fortunately, we were not arrested.

When we were ready, we headed back to the con but before we could even set foot indoors, we were asked to pose for pictures. This was no problem at all, since we love to do this. Unfortunately, it also resulted in us taking 45 minutes to move 20 feet. We eventually met up with the rest of the Midwest group and posed for a while. SL215 also got a couple of pictures with Dave Prowse. We met TK501 (who is cool) but were shocked to see him in a rebel uniform. He quickly assured us he was undercover, on a mission to infiltrate a rebel outpost. One of the more interesting moments during the con came when SL215 got a gift from a vendor. This isn't an appropriate place to discuss what it was, but ask him and he might tell you.

After we had our fill of the con, we went for a fine supper at Hooters which was next to our hotel. On Sunday morning we packed and left. All in all, it was a great trip. Hopefully we can return next year, and the other members of KISS will show up!

Robin & Roy's Crazy Convention Photos
This is Roy and I posing with the members of the 501st Midwest Garrison. The lady next to me is Lisa Marie Scott.	Posing for the camers.	Darth meets Darth.
Michonne (Aurra Sing from Episode 1)	Michonne and Robin...	...and now it's Roy's turn.
Gene posing for us at the Dark Horse comic booth.	Roy posing with Gene. This is before Gene autographed Roy's arm.	Years of rocking and rolling pays off. This is Gene Simmons doing a little trick with his hat.
Phil Brown (Uncle Owen) and Kenny Baker (who played R2D2, Paplou, and an ewok)

Some More Costumes and Photos from the Trip
Assorted Superheroes	Wonder Woman
Bat Dude! This was our mascot for the trip.	Thundercats Ho! Lion-O and Cheetara costumes from Thundercats.