Darth Vader at the High?

I made this photo at the High Museum of Art—in the Modern & Contemporary gallery—just for the fun of it. Truthfully, I thought the sculpture resembled Darth Vader's helmet. Yes, if you couldn't tell from all the postings during Dragon*Con over Labor Day Weekends, I am a sci-fi fan.

Modern & Contemporary Gallery at the High Museum of Art

But, without having read the placards of the two pieces in this space (shame on me), I could let my imagination dance in the stars as long as it wanted. I started to rethink the dismissal of the sculpture not being Dart Vader when I realized that the painting behind it is more than a seascape...it's also a stellar map, depiction of constellations. Intentional or not, that's just fun?!

On a side note, did you know that one of the gargoyles atop the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. is a depiction of Darth Vader? It was the result of a decorative sculpture competition for children.

My point, plain and simple: Let yourself have fun when you're out touring. I often visit a place with a specific purpose when it comes to my camera, but I'm glad of the results when I sometimes deviate from those plans, at least momentarily.

Now, go see Atlanta...and have some fun!

Cover: Battle of Atlanta Cannon

This cannon is from the "Battle of Atlanta", fought in July 1864, which is chronicled at another hidden gem of Atlanta--the Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum. There are only a few cycloramas in the U.S., a cyclorama being a 360 degree depiction, usually a painting, in this case the Battle of Atlanta.

Cannon from "Battle of Atlanta"
Atlanta Cyclorama

This being the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War, it's a perfect time to teach the kids a history lesson or brush up on your own knowledge of Atlanta history. There's LOTS to see!

Before you get to the Cyclorama—inside you'll hear the story of the Battle of Atlanta narrated by James Earl Jones...that's right, Darth Vader himself—you'll see the "Texas"—one of the two locomotives that were part of The Great Locomotive Chase.

Enjoy the above pre-sized Facebook Cover Photo and then head to the Atlanta Cyclorama, adjacent to Zoo Atlanta and in Historic Grant Park. Then head over to the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook Page for more Cover Photos. Enjoy!

Dragon*Con Parade: Darth Vader, Superman and Wolverine Take Over Peachtree Street

Wolverine and a Sleestack

Darth Vader, Superman and Wolverine, as well as hundreds of superheroes and otherwise fascinating characters, marched down Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta on Saturday morning to the cheers of thousands of wide-eyed, excited children and wide-eyed, excited adults. Hollywood invasion? Almost. It was the annual Dragon*Con Parade.

The Dragon*Con Parade is the largest event of the Dragon*Con weekend, the world's largest science-fiction/fantasy convention, held annually during Labor Day weekend. The Parade participants are registered 'members' of Dragon*Con—all in costumes from movies, television, comic books, fiction and self-made creations. The highly-anticipated Parade is open to the public.

Darth Vader

I arrived about an hour before the Parade's 10:00 a.m. start time to secure a spot from which to make unobstructed photos, keeping mind to make sure the sun was in front of the procession, not backlighting it (I wanted clear photo memories, not the all too common movie poster silhouettes).

From the corner of Peachtree Street and Baker Street, I could hear the crowds cheering immediately before the Parade participants rounded the corner. The Parade was packed with fan favorite characters, but the kids seem to like Darth Vader the most. He very graciously forewent the Star Wars Vader March to shake hands and give "high fives" to kids, who were on their feet in excitement and many of them in costumes themselves.

Mad Hatter

The Parade also features celebrities. This year, Gil Gerard, best known for his role as Buck Rogers in "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century," perched on and waved from a sparkling new black Ford Mustang. Also participating in the Parade was Kevin Sorbo, well-known for his television roles as Dylan Hunt on "Gene Rodenberry's Andromeda" and Hercules on "Hercules." The years have been good to Sorbo and apparently a little more taxing for Gerard, although I wouldn't tell him that given he's accustomed to carrying a blaster. Both, who were there as themselves (not in costume), were fun to see in real life.

The Dragon*Con Parade is not your typical parade. There are no politicians, no 300-member marching bands, no floats nor participants that do not directly tie to the theme of the event. At the Dragon*Con Parade you get super superheroes, alien antagonists and favorite sci-fi/fantasy television personalities…more than I can possibly recall.

Will I watch the Parade next year? No, I actually plan to participate in the Parade. So mark your calendars now and check me out when I join the legions of Klingons, vampires, and Wookies…and who knows what else!

Visiting the Dragon*Con Parade

Date toured: Saturday, September 4, 2010 - Next Dragon*Con Parade: Labor Day Weekend 2011
Hours: 10 a.m. until approximately 11:30 a.m. (check website for exact time)
Location: Peachtree Street downtown Atlanta (check website for exact parade route)

Parking: multiple downtown public parking garages and hotel garages, rates vary

MARTA: any station near the convention host hotels - Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Atlanta Hilton & Towers, Atlanta Sheraton and Westin Peachtree Plaza
Website: http://www.dragoncon.org/

Stormtroopers