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Metropolis, IL Chamber Re-Launches Superman Statue Brick Fundraiser
Superman fans once again have an opportunity to be a part of history in Metropolis, IL. The Metropolis Chamber of Commerce is re-launching a popular fundraiser of engraved bricks on Superman Square which surrounds the 15-foot bronze statue of Superman. After standing watch for 27 years over the Home of Superman, harsh weather and layers of paint have taken their toll on the Man of Steel. With the cancellation of the Metropolis Superman Celebration and diminished tourism due to COVID-19, it seemed the appropriate time to do the needed work.
The engraved bricks were originally sold to fund the purchase of the statue and build the 'S' shield shaped base brick foundation. Approximately, 750 bricks were sold and the completed Superman Statue was unveiled during the 1993 Metropolis Superman Celebration. Though the Metropolis Chamber of Commerce has through the years received numerous inquiries about brick purchases, the bricks were "set in stone" and unavailable. Until now!
Because of repairs that need to be made to the existing mortar, 700 new bricks will be available for engraving! Existing engraved bricks will receive a touch-up to the lettering and repairs to the mortar. The newly engraved bricks will be installed in the foundation while the mortar repairs are completed, and the 'S' shield shaped foundation will receive a facelift as well. The funds will be used to remove the existing paint from Superman and will be repainted with the traditional red, blue, and yellow suit. All repairs will be completed in time for the rededication ceremony during the annual Metropolis Superman Celebration which will be held June 10th - 13th, 2021.
Superman fans will need to act faster than a speeding bullet! Bricks will be sold on a first come, first serve basis and will be available until repairs on the foundation begin. The 4" x 8" clay bricks will sell for $100 each. The bricks may be engraved with up to three lines of text and each line may have up to 13 alphabetic or numeric characters including any spacing and punctuation. Superman fans can contact the Metropolis Chamber of Commerce at (618) 524-2714, email office@metropolischamber.com, or purchase a brick on-line at SupermanCelebration.net.
The world famous Super Museum is also currently offering a brick fundraiser which kicked off in 2018. Called THE HAM "BRICK" PROJECT, a play on words referencing the founder of the Super Museum, Jim Hambrick, the fundraising project's goal is to expand the Super Museum exhibits, preserve the items within the Museum, and help beautify the Metropolis Town Square.
These commemorative "Ham" Bricks allow individual fans, families, groups and businesses who are fans of Superman and the Super Museum an opportunity to "leave their mark" in the City of Metropolis with a lasting tribute that will allow new and repeat visitors an opportunity to visit their bricks in person for many years to come.
Click here to purchase your very own HAM "BRICK" today and leave a lasting memorial in Superman's official hometown of Metropolis, IL for generations to come.
Commemorative bricks are also still available in the courtyards surrounding the Metropolis "Hope Light" Lighthouse and the Memorial Noel Neill Statue which honors the actresses role as Lois Lane in the classic "Adventures of Superman" television series. These commemorative bricks are available through the Metropolis Chamber of Commerce.
