30th Annual Superman Celebration
Metropolis, Illinois

The 2008 Superman Celebration is officially in the record books and marked the 30th year Metropolis, Illinois has held its annual event. During the past 30 celebrations the crowds have grown to over 30,000 flocking to the only town in America that is officially known as the "Home of Superman."

Each Second Full Weekend in June, the City of Metropolis IL, the "Home of Superman" celebrates their Favorite Son, Superman with this fun and festive celebration! Mark your calendars for June 11th - 14th, 2009 and plan to visit Metropolis next year!

Family Trip & Review

The 2008 Superman Celebration is officially in the record books and what an event it was!

My wife Jennifer and I as well as my brother Robin and neices Krystal & Ashley all attended the 30th Annual Celebration and had a wonderful time. It was the first Celebration for all of us and the memories will last a lifetime.

The celebration kicked off on Thursday afternoon at 5:00PM with the official ribbon cutting by the 2008 Metropolis Celebration Superman, Josh Boultinghouse. We all had a chance to meet Josh who was absolutely thrilled about portraying Superman. He had some big boots to fill as the new Superman and did an absolutely wonderful job throughout the celebration. The rest of our Thursday evening was spent at the nearby Carnival which featured numerous exciting attractions.

Friday morning started off with my brother and I lining up for autograph session tickets for Ned Beatty, Allison Mack and Noel Neill followed by a trip over to the Superfan Baseball game between the Metropolis Marvels and Smallville Meteors. After a blowout victory by Larry Ward's "Marvels" team, my crew and I headed to the "Artists Alley" and met legendary Superman artist Murphy Anderson and also enjoyed checking out the many pieces of artwork on display.

Friday evening featured the press mixer with Noel, Ned and Josh. Allison was unfortunately unable to attend due to flight delays. All the celebrities were very friendly and cordial and took time to answer all the questions posed to them. My one question was to Mr. Beatty in regard to his thoughts on "Superman Returns" and the job that Brandon Routh did portraying Superman. Ned had not seen the film so there wasn't really much he could say about it but he still had quite a bit to say about his thoughts on the motion picture industry as a whole.

Friday's events ended with the 1940's Gala-Ball which was a tribute to Noel Neill's 60th anniversary as Lois Lane. We were unable to attend but the event was a huge success and not even a severe thunderstorm could dampen anyone's spirits or fun.

Saturday morning had us all waiting in line early in the morning for the first autograph session at the Metropolis Chamber offices. Allison and Ned were two of the nicest people you could ever meet. Each took time to sign autographs and talk to everyone who came by and even pose for a quick picture. Noel was at the Metropolis Planet office during our autograph session and was just as delightful and cordial as always. You'll never meet a nicer lady.

We spent much of the remainder of the day checking out the many different vendors and paying another visit to the Artist Alley where we were able to meet the different authors on hand.

We wrapped up our day with the Superman Auction and Dinner at the Baymont Inn which featured an absolutely delicious meal and many great items up for bids. After dinner, awards were handed out with Superman Homepage webmaster Steve Younis taking home the coveted "George Award". I couldn't think of a more deserving individual for Jim Hambrick to choose as the recipient of the award. The auction kicked off next with a few heated bidding wars on items such as a replica green crystal from the Fortress of Solitude and some vintage 1950's "Adventures of Superman" collectibles. A screen used "Superman: II" cape that was also signed by many cast members took home the highest bid of the night at $2,200.

Though the Celebration continued through Sunday, we had to leave out at 9:00AM for home and missed out on the costume contest and World Record attempt at "Most People Dressed as Superman". However, I have been told by Lisa Gower who was in attendance that the Guinness World Record was set with a total of 122 people appearing in costume. The overall $1000 costume contest winner was Jamie Kelley who was also the runner up in the 2008 Search for Superman competition.

To Karla, Lisa, Jim and all the others that have a hand on making the Celebration such a success each year, we want to extend a huge thank you to all of you. We could have never imagined just how exciting the Celebration would be. We enjoyed meeting everyone and making so many new friends and hope that we will be able to attend again next year. This was an event we will never forget and cherish always.

2008 Celebration Slide-Show




2008 Celebration Official Press Release

Ned Beatty, Allison Mack, Noel Neill and artist Murphy Anderson will be the featured celebrities at the 30th Annual Superman Celebration to be held in Metropolis, Illinois June 12th thru 15th, 2008.

The Superman Celebration consistently tries to feature celebrities from all Superman genres and this year is no exception. "We wanted to have outstanding celebrities for our 30th year and I do believe we have accomplished that goal," stated Karla Ogle, chairperson for the Superman Celebration.

The legendary actor who was once called the "busiest actor in Hollywood" by Daily Variety; Ned Beatty will make his Superman Celebration debut in 2008. Beatty became affiliated with Superman in the original motion picture in 1978 playing Otis, Lex Luther’s evil henchman. Beatty’s career spans over 4 decades and includes over 150 motion picture credits, as well as numerous television roles.

Smallville sensation Allison Mack will also be in Metropolis for the first time during the 30th Annual Superman Celebration. Mack portrays Chloe, Clark Kent’s best friend in The CW’s acclaimed Smallville. Smallville is a wildly successful series that gives a new interpretation to the classic Superman mythology focusing on the life of a young Clark Kent and Lex Luther.

Noel Neill, the official First Lady of Metropolis, will return to Metropolis to celebrate her 60th Anniversary of portraying Lois Lane on the television series Adventures of Superman. Neill first portrayed Lane in 1948.

In honor of Noel Neill’s 60th Anniversary, a "1940’s Hollywood Ball" has been added to the event schedule for the Superman Celebration. “We are so excited to be able to honor Noel this year with a ball designed to relive the glitz and glamour of the 1940’s,” Ogle said.

Murphy Anderson, along with his frequent collaborator; penciler Curt Swan, were in charge of the artwork on Superman and Action Comics in the 1970s and came to be called "Swanderson" by the fans. Anderson's accolades include the 1962 Alley Award for Best Inker; a 1963 Alley for Artist Preferred on Justice League of America; 1964 Alleys for Best Inking Artist and for Best Comic Book Cover (Detective Comics #329, with penciler Carmine Infantino); 1965 Alleys for, again, Best Inking Artist and Best Comic Book Cover (The Brave and the Bold #61), as well as for Best Novel (an untitled story in Showcase #55, with writer Gardner Fox). He was inducted into the Jack Kirby Hall of Fame in 1988. As of the mid-2000s, he oversees Murphy Anderson Visual Concepts, which provides color separations and lettering for comic books.

Superman fans will have the opportunity to meet the celebrities during the autograph sessions held during the Celebration. There will also be question and answer sessions allowing fans to get their most pressing Superman questions answered by the stars.

2008 Search for Superman

Congratulations to Josh Boultinghouse who has been officially chosen as the 2008 Metropolis Superman!

The Search for Superman Committee reviewed the top five auditions of the contenders and chose Josh as the winner. The official announcement was made Friday, May 16th on Search for Superman.com. Mr. Boultinghouse will not only receive the honor of being the 2008 Superman for the Superman Celebration in Metropolis, IL, he will also receive a check for $1000.00, round-trip travel expense to Metropolis for the Celebration, a Superman of Metropolis Award, six night stay in Metropolis, and a personal assistant during the Superman Celebration.

Fans had the opportunity to vote online from April 27th until May 10th in the Metropolis, Illinois "Search for Superman" contest and vote for their favorite contendor. The Top 5 fan favorites were revealed on May 12th and they were (in alphabetical order):

1. Damian Beurer (view audition video)
2. Josh Boultinghouse (view audition video)
3. John Helfrich (view audition video)
4. Danny Kelley (view audition video)
5. Jamie Aaron Kelley (view audition video)

Josh will officially debut as the 2008 Metropolis Superman during the Superman Celebration ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, June 12th.

2008 World Record Attempt

On June 15, Superman fans from around the globe will attempt to set an official Guinness World Record for the "largest gathering of people dressed as Superman" during the 30th Annual Superman Celebration in Metropolis, Ill.

While this record has never been attempted before, the Guinness Corp. set the parameter of at least 100 participants in approved costumes.

"This is a one of a kind opportunity for any Superman enthusiast. We wanted to end the 30th Annual Celebration with a bang and I definitely think this is what we were looking for," said Karla Ogle, chairman of the festival.

Steven Kirk of Los Angeles approached the city with the idea.

"It’s Superman's 70th birthday, the 30th Superman Celebration in Metropolis, the 30th anniversary of the release of Superman, the Movie and the 60th anniversary of the first appearance of Noel Neill as reporter Lois Lane. When you're throwing a party that big, I thought a Guinness World Record would be some sweet icing on Superman’s birthday cake," Kirk said.

The World Record attempt is open to men, women and children wearing a Superman costume complete with cape, boots and the iconic “S” on the chest. The costumes can either be store-bought or home made, but must be approved in advance to make sure they meet the stringent requirements set by the Guinness World Record Corp. for this event.

15th Annual Superman Auction & Dinner

Super Museum Curator Jim Hambrick invites you to this year's Superman Auction and Dinner which will take place on Saturday, June 14th at the Baymont Theater (formerly known as the Amerihost Theatre).

Tickets are $35.00 per person in advance and $40.00 at the door. Payments can be made via paypal at supermuseum@hcis.net.

The event will kick off at 5:00pm with an auction preview for Ticket Holders Only. Dinner will take place at 6:00pm followed by the presentation of awards at 7:00pm including the coveted "George Award". The evening will wrap up with the auction starting at 8:00pm.

To submit items in the auction or if you have any questions, please call 618-524-5518 or 512-749-8882.

1940's Hollywood Ball

As part of the festivities for this year's 30th Annual Superman Celebration, the City of Metropolis, Illinois will be holding a 1940's Hollywood Ball that will pay tribute to Noel Neill in honor of her 60 years as Lois Lane.

The event is scheduled for Friday, June 13 at the Baymont Theater (formally Amerihost Theater) from 7:00pm - 9:30pm and will feature the Big Band Sound of the Jerry Ford Orchestra.

1940's costumes are encouraged but not required and a prize will be given for the best dressed 40's man & woman. Hor deorves will also be served.

Tickets are $25.00 per person and can be reserved by contacting the Metropolis Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-949-5740. All reserved tickets can be picked up at the Chamber on June 12th & 13th or at the door after 6:00pm on Friday June 13.

Seating is limited so reserve your tickets early.

2008 Costume Contest

  • Entry Fee: $20.00
  • When: Sunday, June 15
  • Where: At the Main Tent
  • Sign Up Time: Sunday at 11:00am
  • Contest Time: Sunday at at 12:00pm

    This year, Characters will be judged in 5 groups:

  • Superman / Clark Kent
  • Supergirl / Lois
  • Villians / Villianess
  • Hero / Heronine
  • Creatures

    There will be 1 winner per group. Each winning 250.00.

  • Best Superman or Clark Kent
  • Best Supergirl or Lois
  • Best Villian
  • Best Hero
  • The Best Creature.

    The 5 winners will them move on to compete in the Final round.

    Every Costumed contestant will be on stage by themselves and will be brought back on stage as a group at the end of their group judging.

    The 5 winners will compete for the $1000 grand prize.

    There will be a Crowd Favorite Catagory.
    Details for this catagory to be revealed soon.

    (Information subject to change. Please check back for updates and new information.)

    2nd Annual SuperFan Baseball Game

    Take me out to the Ball Game! On Friday morning at 10:00am, join team captains Steven Kirk and Larry Ward at the Metropolis Sports Park (2004 Metropolis Street) as the "Smallville Meteors" take on the "Metropolis Marvels" for the 2nd Annual SuperFan Baseball Game! Special guest Noel Neill will be there to throw out the ceremonial First Pitch! Come out and watch the game, or e-mail steve@StevenKirk.com if you're interested in playing!

    2008 Event Schedule

    Thursday, June 12


    5:00 Opening Ceremony • Carnival Opens 500 block of East 5th
    5:30 Special Recognition & Awards “The Dixie Melody Boys”
    6:00 Gospel Music – “Forgiven”
    6:30 Superboy/Supergirl Pageant practice Superman Square Smallville Stage
    7:00 City of Metropolis Featured Gospel • “Helping Hands” Award
    7:00 Superman Road Race at Fort Massac • “Lois Lane” Award Host: MCHS Track Team
    7:30 Kids Karoke at Smallville Tent


    Friday, June 13

    10:00 “Super Fan” Baseball Game
    10:00 Artists Alley Open

    11:00 “What’s it Worth?” at Main Tent Smallville Tent
    11:30 Freestyle Connection BMX Bikes Smallville Tent Prizes for Everyone!
    Man of Steel Street

    1:30 Marc Nobleman presents Mike Hardison, Clifford Helm & Friends
    Story behind “The Boys of Steel”

    Mike Mallory & WPSD
    12:00 Writers Q & A Main Tent Mike Norton, Murphy Anderson Marc Nobleman, Josh Elder
    12:00 Supersilly Games at Smallville
    12:00 Sign-up Video Game Tourn. Main Stage
    12:30 Mini-Seminar at Artists Alley Pictures & Prizes !!
    1:00 Superman Jeopardy at Main Tent Man of Steel Street Hosts: Alex & John Rinaldi
    2:00 Josh Elder program at Artists Alley • Metropolis Sports Park Writing for the comics
    2:00 Video Tournament
    2:00 Music with Nathan Betts Baymont Theater, Main Stage
    2:00 “Superman Challenge”
    2:30 “Muley” and Friends Puppet show

    3:00 Kids Superhero Costume Contest
    3:00 Artists Q & A Main Stage
    3:30 Freestyle Connection BMX Bike Show
    3:30 Michael Eury, Man of Steel Street
    4:00 Mini-Seminar at Artists Alley Hosts: Zeta Zeta
    4:00 Marc Nobleman presents: Fun & Messy Games the story behind “The Boys of Steel”
    4:30 Meet Superman! Smallville Tent
    5:00 Carnival Opens 500 block of East 5th
    5:30 Freestyle Connection BMX
    5:30 Guitar pickin’ on Main Stage
    6:00 Magic with Kal Kotter Smallville Tent
    6:00 Omega Force Exhibition Man of Steel Area, Man of Steel Street
    6:30 Bluegrass Music Featuring
    Hosts: Metropolis Fire Dept. Michael & Jennifer McLain
    7th & Pearl Street
    7:00 1940 Hollywood Ball, Contest for the Quick & Strong! Tribute to Noel Neill
    7:00 Superhero Gameshow for Kids Smallville Tent
    8:00 Superhero Costume Parade Everyone in Costume welcome to walk/Meet at Superman Statue
    9:00 Fan Films Man of Steel Area


    Saturday, June 14

    8:00 Kiwanis Superman Bike Ride
    9:00 Session A – Celebrity Autographs – Allison Mack & Ned Beatty at Metropolis Chamber
    Noel Neill at Metropolis Planet Hosts: WMOK WGKY 111 East 5th Street
    10:00 Washer Pitch Registration Man of Steel Street
    Hwy. 145 across from Sonic
    10:00 Session B –Celebrity Autographs – Allison Mack & Ned Beatty at Metropolis Chamber
    Noel Neill at Metropolis Planet Hosts: WMOK WGKY 111 East 5th Street

    10:00 Artists Alley Opens
    10:00 Super X-Games Metro*Chamber at 607 Market Street
    10:30 Mini-Seminar at Artists Alley Man of Steel Street
    Metropolis Sports Park

    11:00 Weigh-in SLP Superman Classic
    11:00 Meet Superman! Smallville Tent
    11:00 Garden Walk & Luncheon
    11:30 MCHS Cheerleaders perform!
    11:30 Celebrity Q & A Main Stage Hosts: WMOK & WGKY
    Noel Neill, Allison Mack & Ned Beatty

    12:00 SuperSilly Games Smallville Tent Smallville Tent
    hosts: MCHS Cheerleaders

    12:00 Sign-in for Petal Tractor Pull Baymont Theater
    Beside Smallville Tent

    12:00 Carnival Opens Man of Steel STreet
    12:00 Video Game Tourn. Sign-in Smallville Tent
    Hosts: Zeta Zeta--Man Of Steel Street

    12:30 Freestyle Connection BMX Bikes Baymont Theater-Man of Steel Street
    1:00 Josh Elder program at Artists Alley
    1:00 SLP Superman Classic Ohio Valley Chapter of AACA
    Bench Press & Dead Lift Competition
    1:00 Superman Jeopardy Artists Alley
    Main Tent Door Prizes & Super Fun!!
    Hosts: Alex & John Rinaldi
    1:00 Color a Cape with Metropolis Planet Man of Steel Tent--Smallville Tent
    Fort Massac State Park Making comics for Kids & Teens

    2:00 Superdog Show at Smallville Tent
    Noel Neill at Metropolis Planet
    111 East 5th Hosts: Massac County Youth Fair
    2:00 Video Game Tourn. at Carpenters Union Hall

    2:30 Sign-in & Sound Check Main Tent
    3:00 Magic with Kal Kotter
    3:00 Session C Celebrity Autographs – Allison Mack, Ned Beatty & Noel Neill at Metropolis Chamber
    3:00 Mini-Seminar at Artists Alley
    Hosts: Thors Gym
    3:00 Sign-in for Beautiful Baby Contest Chiropractic Works Back of Smallville Tent Competition for bikes & boards
    3:30 Freestyle Connection BMX Bike Show
    4:00 Marc Nobleman Presents
    Pictures & Prizes!! Story behind “The Boys of Steel”
    4:00 Session D Celebrity Autographs – Allison Mack, Ned Beatty & Noel Neill at Metropolis Chamber
    Bench Press & Dead Lift Competition
    Man of Steel Street Metro*Chamber 607 Market Street
    4:00 Beautiful Baby Contest
    Curtis House Museum 405 Market Smallville Tent
    Hosts: Metropolis Garden Club Hosts: Zeta Zeta
    5:00 Colgate Country Showdown
    Smallville Tent Main Tent
    5:00 Sign-in Superboy & Supergirl Pageant
    5:00 Super Auction Preview
    5:30 Freestyle Connection BMX Bike Show 500 block of East 5th
    6:00 Superboy & Supergirl Pageant
    6:00 Super Auction Dinner
    6:00 Classic Rock with Timeless
    6:00 Block Party
    6:00 Cruisers on Superman Square
    6:00 Omega Force Exhibition Man of Steel Street Man of Steel Street
    7:00 Awards at Super Auction
    8:00 Superman: The Movie Tribute to Christopher Reeve
    8:00 Super Auction


    Sunday, June 15

    8:00 Rotary Car Show at Fort Massac State Park
    9:00 Four Rivers Church Service--Main Tent
    10:00 Sign-in $1000 Superhero Costume Contest --Back of Main Tent
    10:00 Artists Alley Open
    10:00 Superhero Gameshow for Kids-Smallville Tent
    12:00 $1000 Superhero Costume Contest-Main Stage
    1:00 Omega Force Exhibition-Man Of Steel Street
    2:00 Color a Giant Comic!! Smallville Tent
    2:30 Shake your Groove thing with “Body & Soul” Main Stage
    3:00 Super Scavenger Hunt-Smallville Tent
    3:30 Sign-in for Guinness World Record Attempt-Table at back of Main Tent
    5:00 Attempt at Guinness World Record-“Most People dressed as Superman”

    Celebration Concludes, See you next year!!