Sweltering temperatures failed to dissuade visitors from the Rowland Freedom Center Saturday, where dozens gathered to experience history and, in many cases, take it home.
The initial lure — G.I. Joe collectibles, military collectibles, vintage and modern toys, comics and more.
There were figurines, board games (even one featuring the Lone Ranger), DVDs, plushies, Hot Wheels, military gear and even make-your-own dolls (you choose the head and it goes on a body) with accessories like hats and clothing.
Vendors also included some famous names.
C. Andrew Nelson, who plays Darth Vader for Lucasfilm, greeted awestruck guests.
Alan Fernandes, who was a Bantha-riding Tusken Raider in Star Wars, was also surrounded by plenty of fans.
Dancer Cooley Jaxzon brought lots of memorabilia, sharing his adventures teaching Michael Jackson the “Moonwalk.”
Fan favorite R2D2 beeped and whirred with joy as he roamed indoors and out making attendees smile.
All in all, it was a fun-filled day.
So said Zach Euroch and Courtni Hansen of Vacaville, who popped on over not quite knowing what to expect.
“We thought it would be something to do or the day,” Euroch said, explaining they had seen the notice in The Reporter that morning and headed out. Seeing the toys for sale and their prices kind of made him do a doubletake.
“I was looking around like, “I use to have that,” he said.
Hansen, meanwhile, liked exploring the art pieces.
Gabe and Katie Ponce of Vacaville apparently had the event marked on their calendar.
“We’ve been waiting for this all month,” she pointed out.
Gabe begged to differ.
“No, two months,” he chimed in.
Since they’d heard about the event, Gabe’s been bursting with excitement in anticipation of meeting the Star Wars actor.
“I LOVE Star Wars,” he emphasized.
Their youngest son, 1-year-old Nathan, was quiet on the subject. But 4-year-old Oliver exploded with enthusiasm regarding his favorite thing about the visit.
“I love the airplanes,” Oliver said.
It’s a phrase the Rowland folks love to hear, as they share their love of military history with the community.
There’s all manner of aircraft and vehicles from different time periods, wars and branches of the military. For example, a P-40 that somehow ended up in the hands of the Russians and was later rescued from a field, and a P-51 H that’s one of seven left in the world and the only one that still flies.
There’s also uniforms and weapons, medals and ephemera, gear and photos, even recreations of caves and the like.
Paul Mirich with the Center said the staff and handful of volunteers (they’re in dire need of volunteers) are hard at work to ensure the facility is history-rich and as interesting and fresh as can be. Collections, including the planes, will change on a rotating basis and more items are always welcomed.
“We want to go all the way back to the Revolutionary War and work our way forward,” Mirich said of the exhibits. “We’re trying to get things going so people can learn about history that they weren’t taught.”
The Rowland Freedom Center is located at the Nut Tree Airport.
"crowd" - Google News
June 27, 2021 at 08:58AM
https://ift.tt/35UBoRD
G.I. Joe, military memorabilia draws crowd - Vacaville Reporter
"crowd" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2YpUyMI
https://ift.tt/2KQD83I
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "G.I. Joe, military memorabilia draws crowd - Vacaville Reporter"
Post a Comment