Superman Returns to Metropolis in June

A super line-up of guests is scheduled for this year's Superman Celebration 2010 in Metropolis, Illinois June 10-13.

Located on the banks of the Ohio River, Metropolis will this year host as special guests two stars of TV's Smallville, Laura (Supergirl) Vandervoort and Sam (Doomsday) Witwer.

Another notable guest is Illya Salkind, the producer who revived the Superman movie franchise with a series of movies starring the late Christopher Reeve, will appear for the annual event. Salkind also produced Supergirl and the popular Superboy TV series.

There will also be the return of Noel Neill, the screen's first Lois Lane who appeared in the Superman serials and co-starred as the lady reporter in The Adventures of Superman with George Reeves, as well as a Superman Celebration regular dubbed the "First Lady of Metropolis."

In fact, a bronze statue honoring Neil as Lois Lane, is being unveiled during the celebration across from the colorful 15-foot Superman statue overlooking the downtown area from in front of the Massac County Courthouse, promising an unending search for truth, justice, and the American way.

It's a Bird, It's a Plane...It's Superman!

The Superman Celebration has its own Superman, of course. Actor Josh Boultinghouse won the 2008 search for a portrayer of the Man of Steel. Superman is guaranteed to be in appearance at numerous events and activities throughout the celebration weekend..

Past Superman Guests

The annual event is hugely popular, drawing visitors from around the world with its unique theme. In 2009, about 30,000 Superman fans visited the Superman Celebration, which can always be counted on for an annual slate of special guests which, in the past, have included Margot (Lois Lane) Kidder, Yvonne (Batgirl) Craig, and others.

The special guests this year will hold an autograph session on Saturday, June 12th with further details to be announced on the official website at http://www.supermancelebration.net/.

Noel Neill Statue

The bronze statue of Noel Neill as Lois Lane will be unveiled on June 11th. Funds were raised for its construction by selling memorial bricks. Plans for the statue were revealed to Neill at her 85th birthday party a few years ago in California.

Super Museum

Not to be missed by fans flocking to Metropolis will be the former theater now housing the Super Museum with its amazing collection of Superman props and memorabilia.

The core of the collection are the movie props thrown into the trash by the 1950's TV show's crew, claimed by young Jim Hambrick who, as an adult, eventually settled in the nation's only town named Metropolis to open his permanent museum. The museum includes an original dark Gray and red Superman costume used for the black and white TV episodes, a diving bell-like helmet Superman was forced to wear in one episode to prevent him from using his X-ray vision, and more. There have been numerous contributions since then from the Superman franchise, such as the power crystal from the 1979 Superman movie. Even the lobby, packed wall-to-wall with Superman merchandise, is worth a visit.

More

The Third Annual Superman Celebration Film Competition will be held Saturday, June 12th. Entries are being signed through May 25th. Trophies and cash prizes are being awarded.

A costume contest is being held at noon, Sunday, June 13th at the main tent located on the square between the Super Museum and the Superman statue. The best superhero costume win's $1,000. There are six categories, including Superman or Clark Kent, Supergirl or Lois Lane, best hero, best villain, best duo or group, and crowd favorite. Entry fee is $25 per category.

Visitors will even be able to pick up a copy of the Daily Planet which will tell them about the variety of celebration activities as well as scheduled guest appearances. After Metropolis, the only community in the nation to bear that name, got the official nod as home of Superman, the local weekly changed its name to the Planet. The Daily Planet is the Superman Celebration special section.