6/18–Waldorf West Library Con

This was a small and short (4.5 hours) troop event. It was a tiny comic con at the Charles County MD Library. There were a lot of children and teenagers with their parents that came that day for the activities. Activities included arts & crafts, video games, Starship Horizons simulator, Sci-Fi trivia contest, costume contest, and an appearance by Dan Nokes of 21st Century Sandshark Studios. We stayed mainly in the front main lobby by the meeting rooms and took pictures with kids and adults. A couple of times we did roam upstairs where the video gamers were. There weren’t any major issues that I was aware of, the Library took care of us with a private/secured changing room and there was ample parking outside. We did have to put bright zip ties on our blasters though. I wouldn’t mind doing this troop again next year. Hopefully it will grow and attract more patronage.

Troopers:
Brian – TK
Phil – ID Staff

6/18–National Maker Faire, DC

Melissa and William Ralph arrived an hour early to this large event that is said to be the nation’s largest show and tell, and it did not disappoint.  After suiting up and proceeding down stairs, they exited the building into a group of citizens who began to ask to pose for photos. This went on for over two hours, where the two only moved about 100 feet from where they came in. The head of the event presented Melissa and William with editor choice ribbons and William had a fan literally jump into his arms, luckily causing only minor damage to his armor. Another two hours flew by where Melissa and William met many other eager fans, R2D2, an experimental droid call BB8, and cooled off with some of the best Popsicles they have ever had. The event was amazing and these two troopers would recommend it highly to anyone interested in attending next year.

Troopers:
William – TK
Melissa – ID

This was a nice little Library Con.  We were in a space with some other vendors and costuming groups. The person in charge was very active in making sure that everyone was taken care of.  We walked around a little, hung around the table and answered questions from those that came over, and posed for pictures.  All in all a good Troop.  Afterwards we went to Mission BBQ to have some dinner and just hang out.

6/22–Weird Al Concert, Baltimore

Wow, what a night! Everyone arrived between 4:30 and 5:30, and shortly after we were escorted onto the stage to see where we would stand and go through the routine.  Then, we headed back up to our dressing room to be shown the steps.  Luckily we had some big Weird Al fans among us, because the production team’s CD player didn’t work so we had to use Eric’s phone to play the song.  We practiced the routine a few times and then took a break.

The ceremony began with the Brownies of Troop 173 marching into the room to present the Amercan Flag and Girl Scout Troop flag. They led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance and Girl Scout Promise and Law. The Troop Co-Leader then introduced Warren (DZ/ID 74075) as the Troop Leader and Master of Ceremonies.  He then called upon the surprise special guests to help out. R2 rolled in with his signature scream and the Imperial March played as the TK, officer, and TIE pilot entered the room. Then, in his most commanding voice, Warren ordered each girl front and center to receive their badges.  Then they were to report to the flight deck to receive their Brownie Wings from the TIE Squadron Commander.  Next, they were ordered to the bridge where they received their full promotion to Girl Scout Juniors from the commanding officer.  After that it was a party with refreshments and photo ops.  This was a particularily special troop for Warren, as his daughter (who is a Galactic Academy member) was receiving her promotion.

6/24–Outdoor Movies at City Park, Hagerstown

So we had 3 garrisons represented at this troop and it was a fun troop to begin with. There was a costume parade through the park and then it was photo time.  After that was finished, we walked around and mingled some, fed some ducks, and then got out of kit once the movie started.  The troops ended up hitting up a local Buffalo Wild Wings and made sure to put the bill on Vader’s tab.  The local news did a quick bit on the event.

Troopers:
Jacob – TK
Allana – TK (GC)
Damon – TD (GT)

Squires:
Jesse (GC)
Scott
Brian J

6/25–Perry Hall/White Marsh Town Fair, Nottingham

Despite a sunny, high sky, this was a great troop. The organizers were really grateful to have us there and had a changing tent set up for us right behind the info booth. They asked us to start our patrol at 1 pm, just as other costumed characters were leaving. The fair was contained on the street and parking lot in front of the school, where we did a couple loops during the afternoon. We couldn’t get more than a few steps without someone waving us down to talk and take pictures. The crowd was steady and large, but there was still plenty of room to move around. There was a children’s area with a moon bounce and pony rides that we visited, but most of the action was out by the vendor booths. We took a water break after about an hour, then put in another hour or so. The girls rocked it out and stayed with us step for step. One of the fair organizers said afterwards that they plan to make a charitable donation in our name as a thank you.