Because I missed out on going and seeing the line and the ribbon cutting yesterday, I made a point to get out there on day 2 and see what it was like.

Then I went back inside, before anything started up and was able to take advantage of my exhibitor status and have some fun before there was a line!  Randy and I took turns in the snow speeder and Denise snapped some photos.

Steve Sansweet had to have his turn as well.

We then moved on to the speeder bike.

Oh and then we had to get to work.

I got to see some more costumes at my table.  Including the Lone Trooper, the Philippine outpost of the 501st, Darth Vader and his cousin Chef Vader (mmmm, gungan!), Han Solo, and then yesterdays Episode II Padme as funeral scene Episode III padme, and yesterday’s Ahsoka as Asajj.

As I was greeting people at my booth, I saw someone walk up and I said “Konnichiwa” and then noticed that it was my dear friends from Odate.  I was a missionary in Japan 14 years ago.  Odate was the last area that I lived in and I had become very good friends with this family.  I am so grateful that they made the effort to come down and see me.  I gave them one of my proof prints and then Keiko explained that she had met Chewbacca and then bought one of my Chewie sketch cards.  We went to dinner after the convent and I am SO happy to have seen them!

The first day of the convention!  I left my room (on the 24th floor) to head down to the lobby and looked out the window at the elevators to see this wonderful shot.

So now the convention hall is all set up and my table is set up too.

I HAD to put the post of the Bandit from the cover of Hot Rod Magazine.  :D

Steve Sansweet was the master of ceremonies and opened up the event by cutting the ribbon with a lightsaber.  I actually didn’t get to see the opening, but I shot some video of the very first group of people RUNNING down the stairs and into the convention hall.

The day went pretty good.  I think that my sketch cards were priced a bit high so I only sold 2 of them.  It was fun to have people be excited about getting a custom created sketch card.  Most of them wanted to have their picture taken with me after they had bought a card or print.

I also got to meet some people that had gone to great lengths to be in costume for the event.  I met the girl dressed up as Obi Wan and I asked if she had seen the girl dressed up as Ahsoka.  She said that it was a friend and I told her to get her to come by my table so that I could get a photo.  A bit later they all showed up!  It was pretty cool.

I also had a blast talking with the kids.  This little Jango Fett was walking by Daniel Logan’s signing area and he called him over and signed his helmet for him.  I haven’t met him yet but that makes me think he’s a good guy.

And what Star Wars convention would be complete without Slave Leia?