SupermanHawaii.com

by Napua Ahina

Last weekend I had the responsibility of being the one woman welcoming committee at the 2005 Superman Fan & Collectors Convention. The best part about being at the welcome desk was getting to meet every single person who came through the door. I got to learn everyone's name to sign them in, give a name badge, and stamp their hand (with a homemade 'S' symbol stamp made by Amy Tokuda). This year's event was amazing! From meeting screen legend Noel Neill to watching Superman spoof cartoons, this year's Superman Hawaii convention had something fun for everyone.

During the first prize giveaway, Oscar Spangler won a Superman cape just-his-size and couldn't wait to put it on. His smile was ear-to-ear and he was only too happy to pose for pictures. In the second prize give-away, David Winfield won the Superman: The Animated Series Season 2 DVD set that he was anxiously bouncing up and down in his seat over just a few minutes earlier. David yelled with excitement when his dad, Don, told him he had the winning ticket. Even grown-ups like David Kapu and Tim Warren could hardly contain themselves at the joy of winning their prizes (Sonic Zoom Superman action figure & Superman: The Movie DVD). The joy was plain to see on everyone's face.

Since the welcome desk was adjacent to the only entrance/exit, I also got to say "good-bye" and "thanks for coming" to everyone. The smiles and "that was fun!" statements from people as they left were great. But for me, the absolute highlight of that day was little David Winfield. At the end of the event, David walked around proudly showing his prize to everyone. He ended up at the welcome desk and talked with me about how happy he was. I remembered he was apprehensive about the hand stamp when they first arrived but I asked him again if he'd like a stamp. After his mom, Karen, gave the ok I put a nice 'S' on his left hand. David's little brother, James came walking by so I gave him a stamp too. I waved good-bye as the family left and said my final farewells as others started to leave. A few minutes later, James and David came walking back. Karen explained that David's stamp had rubbed off and he was really upset about it. "He wouldn't let us leave," she admitted. So I gave David a new stamp on his left hand and one more, for good measure, on his right. The way his eyes lit up was pure magic.

It was amazing to see so many happy people of all ages. Everyone was thrilled to meet Noel Neill who was sweet and welcoming to all the fans. John Field brought an amazing selection of films... the room was filled with the laughter of kids and kids-at-heart. At the next event I hope to once again be a part of the welcoming committee. I can't wait to see the smiles of familiar faces and be able to learn the names of all our new friends.

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