Birthday parties are a fairly common type of event request for both the 501st and Rebel Legion. Over the years, I have trooped at all types of Star Wars themed birthday party requests, and I have some fond memories. There was this one time where my sister and I showed up for a birthday party at a local park, where the mother had made little jedi robes for each of the kids... and I attempted to do my best Ewan-Kenobi accent (what a mess that was ) as I sparred with each "youngling" as part of their "jedi training."

That being said, I tend to turn down most birthday requests these days. It's not to be rude, but when you're dealing with a volunteer fan organization... it's tough to ask people to devote their travel, gas $ and family time to doing private parties (for maybe 10-12 kids) all over town, when we can do the same at a public event for 100X as many people? Plus, you run into liability and even saftey issues... it's a tough call.

There ARE times when I think it is GREAT to take on a birthday request. Recently, Midwest Base and Ohio Garrison teamed up to make an appearance in Wilmington, Ohio for a boy named Daniel's 10th birthday party. Here's a report from a much better TPM Kenobi then I ever was:

"His family lives three houses down from me. He and all of his friends are big star wars fans. Daniel and his brother duel with me frequently and I wanted them to see other people besides me in costume. We walked into the room with to the Empire theme and the kids were amazed. Some of the parents were really happy to see us as well. All the kids had fun and the parents had a blast too. I already know that at least two kids want the Rebel Legion/501st to do their bday parties. It was a fun time had by all." - Briankenobi

Wilmington Birthday Party - MWB Mission Photos

"I forsee you'll become a great jedi knight" Briankenobi... nice job!

Meanwhile, my guys were loading up their cars for "that state up north" (Michigan) to join our brothers from Great Lakes Garrison and the Michigan region of Midwest Base for the Corktown St. Patrick's Day Parade.

I can't begin to tell you how much I LOVE marching in this parade! Corktown is the oldest neighborhood in downtown Detroit, and the parade has become a motor city tradition. Imagine a St. Patrick's Day parade (yes, there is some serious drinking going on) but with a very friendly Mardi Gras vibe among the crowd.

Last year, the rebels (including reinforcements from Ohio) came to the rescue during a busy month of events for the local garrison. This year, the GLG was NOT to be outdone! An entire squad from GLG decided to customize their armor by wearing kilts (didn't ask what they wore underneath) and really working the IRISH theme of the day. I will say one thing for this garrison... they do have FUN!

Once again, we had a good turnout among the rebels. As the highest ranking MWB officer at the event, I kinda took charge of our half of the parade group. The GLG was kind enough to let MWB lead them along the parade route, and this year I decided to assign myself and fellow rebel pilot (Jade 5233) to "banner duty"... and let out trio of jedi: MaKata So-gan, Master Miller, and my irish padawan Fuzzball mingle with the crowd down Michigan Ave.

"Good to see the Ohio contingent as always, you guys always make the events that much better!" - qui-gon32

Detroit/Corktown St. Patricks Day Parade - MWB Mission Photos

Coming up, we pay tribute to a space exploration pioneer... and One Man Trilogy is coming to the capital of rock and roll!