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Sunday, June 14th in Metropolis, IL was once again the setting for the always popular annual Superman Celebration Costume Contest.
Much to the delight of those in attendance, the forecasted threats of thunderstorms turned out to be just a drizzle which ultimately stopped before the contest began.
Brian Morris took over hosting duties from Steven Kirk - who unfortunately was unable to attend this year - and did a perfect job during the course of his inaugural hosting duties.
Judges this year were Aaron Tuggle, Travis McKenzie, and Rob Easter.
This year's contest was different from the 30 point system of years past and was split into four Categories;
Best Character Best Custom Costume Best Original Conception Best Group or Duo
The overall contest had 29 contestants who all came up on stage to show everyone their costumes for the "Best Character" category. To see all of these Heroes on stage was thrilling. Each participant and character were as follows:
Hunter Woods Dark Knight Joker
Demika Fergerson Lobo
Peter Sutter - Kingdom Come Superman
Dennis Manning - Grant Gustin's Flash
Brad Graham - Superman
Caitlyn Konnor - Star Sapphire Wonder Woman
Paula Kessler - Catwoman
Paul Fusaro Earth's End Superman
James Harmon Superman
Doug Oller Swamp Thing
Brian Parrot Steam Punk Frankenstein and Igor
Glen Johnson Joker
Jack Sullivan New 52 Superman
Kenny Dowell Knight Fall Batman
Danny Dowell Red Hood
Allie West Supergirl
Candice Gilligan She-Ra
Wesley Oliver Krall Iron Man
Nathan Thue Reverse Flash
Cory Isaac Steel
Milt Skelton The Shadow
Mike Berding The Incredible Hulk
Scott Doran - Dr. Hugo Strange
Charlee Soffer Superboy Prime
Tabatha Dummitt 1966 Batgirl
John Glecker Loki
Ben Dowell French Maid Dead Pool
Zuckuss Bounty Hunter from The Empire Strikes Back
Jessica Boyer Warrior Wonder Woman
Charlee Soffer was chosen as the ""Best Character" winner while runner-ups were John Glecker, Cory Isaac, Wesley Oliver Krall, and Demika Fergerson.
I thought that was it and this year's Costume Contest was short. However, after everyone stepped off the stage, Brian Morris called them back for the next category; "Best Custom Costume".
The top contestants/characters in this category were Wesley Oliver Krall Iron Man, Cory Isaac Steel, Blake Poole Shazam, Jessica Boyer Warrior Wonder Woman, John Glecker Loki, and Brian Parrot Steam Punk Frankenstein and Igor with Krall being chosen as the overall "Best Custom Costume" winner.
Next up was the "Best Original Conception" category with Brian Parrot Steam Punk Frankenstein and Igor, Caitlyn Konnor - Star Sapphire Wonder Woman, Charlee Soffer Superboy Prime, Zuckuss Bounty Hunter from The Empire Strikes Back, and Samantha Female Joker selected as the top contestants/characters. Parrot - whose costume was very creative and imaginative - was the overall winner. I wonder what Boris Karloff would have thought?.
Lastly was the "Best Group or Duo" category which featured Knight Fall Batman & Red Hood, Superman & Shazam, and The Mad God (John Glecker Family) as the top characters with Superman & Shazam selected as the winners. I really liked the stage presence of these two heroes. They did stand out.
That concluded this year's annual Costume Contest. After everyone had left the stage, there were many photo opportunities to take advantage of with everyone in their costumes.
I cannot wait until next year to see what kind of imaginative and entertaining events the 38th Annual Superman Celebration brings. See you all in 2016!
* If I spelled anyone's name wrong, please contact me and I will be glad to fix it.