Star Wars Oregon
Public Information => Spotter Check In => Spotter Archive => Topic started by: MissyThing on February 28, 2016, 08:29:34 AM
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Hey guys, its that time again!
We have now appeared in the Starlight parade for over 10 years and our presence is one the crowds really look for. It's one of our most popular events and one where many people who come up to us at other troop events tell us its the event where they first saw us. It's a fun parade, a great chance to get our groups in front of thousands of people, and a really unique experience!
"NORMAL EVENT STUFF"
EVENT TYPE: SWO Informal - http://www.cloudcitygarrison.com/forum/index.php?topic=8057.0
WHAT: Starlight Parade
WHERE: Meet in the park blocks at the corner of Park and Couch. This is where we will hang out leading up to the event.
DATE: Saturday, June 4th
TIMES: Streets seem to close earlier every year - so its best to get there REAL early if you want to get choice parking, so we suggest you arrive before around 4:00 p.m. Once again we'll set up shop in the Park blocks until it's time to get suited up. The parade begins at 8:30. Expect to get into costume well ahead of when we start marching. We typically spend awhile standing around in costume before we start marching (lids off).
CAUSE: Group PR and morale booster
PARKING: Parking in the pay lot costs about $5. We normally park in the lot at the NW corner of Couch and Broadway. Once I get a firm grip on our position in the parade I will post details/pics of parking lots/areas.
CHANGING AND STORAGE: Parking lot/car changing. Lock your valuables in your car. Spotters may be able to carry small items (like your car keys) that you need to keep with you, but don't count on them carrying lots of stuff.
OTHER DETAILS: Take a look at the Trooping and Spotting Overview (https://www.dropbox.com/s/oixvh06afqy5yrs/Star%20Wars%20Oregon%20Trooping%20and%20Spotting%20Overview.pdf?dl=0) for answers to many of your spotting questions.
SWO EVENT LEAD: Phil
Our entry fee is $400. Phil's fronting the cost, and as in years past we'll ask for each costumer to contribute $15. Spotters do not need to pay, though donations would be appreciated. You can pay through PayPal, cash, or check. Send your PayPal Payments to philchil@mac.com
OTHER DETAILS
All parade participants must be at least 12 years old.
No disintegrations.
The parade route is about 2.25 miles long. Pace is a relatively fast walk.
Water will be available before and after the parade, but we should try to limit drinking water while on the parade route.
Food is not readily available near our staging area. Bring food with you and be sure to eat it so you have energy to complete the parade route.
We'll post as soon as we have details about our placement in the parade (our order #).
Everyone needs to be wearing a parade-worthy costume. That means no tennis shoes or obvious variance from the costume you are emulating. After all, the parade is at night, and we move pretty fast. If in doubt, ask Phil or any of the admins.
Each parade participant will receive a "Starlight 2016" patch. These will be limited production just for the parade only.
We will be on TV We work hard to have an excellent presence, Details do show up under those bright TV lights!
Any surplus funds from registration will be put toward our website renewal costs.
Spotters:
Missy
Joel
Rat
Raphael
Adam
Aubrey +1
Heide +2
Hannah
Jason
Justin
Rick
Michael
Carl B.
Dallin
Carrie B.
Wendy L.
Jenna
Hayley
Marcel
Dave
Cat
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Having heard about this from B-Pfau, I am interested. How many spotters do you want/need?
Just checked, I am not on call that weekend Woohoo. --- Mtn
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Having heard about this from B-Pfau, I am interested. How many spotters do you want/need?
Just checked, I am not on call that weekend Woohoo. --- Mtn
We usually need quite a few spotters. It depends on how many costumers we get signed up, but the more the merrier! We'll look forward to seeing you there.
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Pecil me in Missy. Hopefully I will be able to make it this year.
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Missy, I noticed the date is wrong in the title for the event.
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Sorry about that, but it looks like someone got it corrected for me. Thanks!!
Sent from the Jedi Temple
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TK 2129 here, I've got 3 confirmed 1 more possible spotter for the parade. 2 are past spotters and a couple of newbies. Names are ;
Raphael, Adam, Aubrey, 1 more and I'll get the name for you later.
Saberwolff, Will
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I'm signed up as a TK, but I was wondering if my wife could come as a spotter? She's not a member of the garrison/base though.
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I'm signed up as a TK, but I was wondering if my wife could come as a spotter? She's not a member of the garrison/base though.
She does not need to be a member. We'd love to have her join us. Let me know if she is interested.
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TK 2129 here, I've got 3 confirmed 1 more possible spotter for the parade. 2 are past spotters and a couple of newbies. Names are ;
Raphael, Adam, Aubrey, 1 more and I'll get the name for you later.
Saberwolff, Will
Great! See you all there.
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Ok. My wife, Heide, said she'd come spot. I'll get her the spotter's guide. Let me know if there is anything else I need to pass on.
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Hannah will be spotting again
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Missy,
I have two spotters coming: Jason & Justin Newman. I will forward them the spotter's guide.
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Thanks, Mel!
Sent from the Jedi Temple
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If I don't get my approval for my TK I am finishing I will be there as a spotter but may arrive close to 4 as I will be coming straight from work. I'll update you either way. Excited to be a part of the SW Oregon family in any capacity! By the way I didn't see it mentioned but it's also the 40th year of Starlight so they are expecting massive crowds!
Jim
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Rick will roster up for spotter duty!!!!
I'll need a conformation on this ASAP as I will need to make arrangements to have the night off. Thanks.
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Queen Missy, I have a friend (Nate) interested in spotting. He's 99% sure but trying to get the night off. He may have to arrive late at work instead. Can you estimate how late this can run so he can commit?
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Rick will roster up for spotter duty!!!!
I'll need a conformation on this ASAP as I will need to make arrangements to have the night off. Thanks.
I'll add you to the list!
Sent from the Jedi Temple
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WOOHOO!!!!!!!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Queen Missy, I have a friend (Nate) interested in spotting. He's 99% sure but trying to get the night off. He may have to arrive late at work instead. Can you estimate how late this can run so he can commit?
I can't say for sure what time the parade will be over. Given that SWO is early in the parade it shouldn't be too late a finish. Let me know if he wants to come.
Sent from the Jedi Temple
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An estimated guess based on past parades of a window of time would be helpful. I've never been but heard we can expect to be downtown until 1am the next morning.
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Lori, that won't be the case this year. I think the latest I've ever been downtown still was maybe midnight, but that was when we were in the 90s or 100s, lineup wise.
Last year we were in the 30s(?) if I recall correctly. When we were done and already back to the staging area we saw other groups who hadn't even started marching yet. This year we'll be back even sooner since we're starting even earlier.
I'd be surprised if it's later than 10:30 when everyone's back at their cars.
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Thanks for that! I'll let him know. I'm trying to recruit him as well and get him into a TK. I can ensnare him if he spots. :)
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Michael White will be a Spotter.
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I understand you are in need of additional spotters. In addition to my wife who has already agreed to spot, I will bring my two teen aged daughters (15 & 17) if their ages are acceptable.
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I understand you are in need of additional spotters. In addition to my wife who has already agreed to spot, I will bring my two teen aged daughters (15 & 17) if their ages are acceptable.
That would be great!! Thank you!! What are their names and I can add them to the list?
Sent from the Jedi Temple
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I understand you are in need of additional spotters. In addition to my wife who has already agreed to spot, I will bring my two teen aged daughters (15 & 17) if their ages are acceptable.
That would be great!! Thank you!! What are their names and I can add them to the list?
Sent from the Jedi Temple
Their names are Autumn and Ashley. Autumn is 17 Ashley is 15 (and a half :wink: )
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In case you haven't seen it, here's a link to our spotter's handbook. If you're new to spotting, I'd recommend this quick read:
Trooping and Spotting Overview (https://www.dropbox.com/s/oixvh06afqy5yrs/Star%20Wars%20Oregon%20Trooping%20and%20Spotting%20Overview.pdf?dl=0)
Starlight is a different kind of event, so our spotters here will have some additional duties. We try to prepare for anything that might happen, and it's likely these things won't (except the first one).
Spotters may need to:
- Pick up, reattach, refit, or adjust the fastening of costume parts.
- Carry water* and hold personal belongings for troopers while on the parade route.
- Assist troopers who have medical issues or catastrophic costume failures. We're not expecting you to be an EMT or anything of that sort, but if someone is on the verge of passing out, a spotter will need to help that person remove themselves from the parade, get away from the crowds, provide water or whatever else as necessary, and then assist with getting them back to our staging area. If you're not familiar with navigating downtown PDX, have your phone ready to help you.
- Handle unruly folks from the crowd who try to get out on the street with us during the parade.
*About water: I assume this parade will be like ones in the past. They don't want us drinking water while we're marching. Water bottles shouldn't even be visible. However, if someone is in a position where they're going to pass out if they don't get some water, it's obviously okay to get a drink.
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My nephew Dallin can be a spotter. He is 23. He is checking with his 3 siblings (ages 16-21) as well if they are interested and I'll update accordingly. How many more spotters do you think we need?
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Thanks! I'll add Dallin to the list. At this point we are doing OK with the numbers we have, but I am going for a cushion for anyone that won't be able to make it last minute. Life sometimes just gets in the way, but with the large (almost 60) number of costumers we have participating this year it could get crazy and it would be great to limit the costumer to spotter ratio to about 4-5:1.
I wouldn't turn anyone away!
Thank you to everyone that has been recruiting help!!
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Sounds good. Please add my niece Jenna to the list too. She is 16, 6 ft tall and will keep any rogue spectators at bay!
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Sorry, one more, my 21 yr old niece Hayley is willing to help too.
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Got both of them on the list. Thank you!
Sent from the Jedi Temple
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:grin: I am very excited to meet the group and see the Cloud City Garrison at work for the first time in person. I would love to be a spotter for this parade and put my camera skills to work as well. I have read through the requirements for spotters and couldn't be more excited. I also have a Jedi costume yet to be OKed for the Kashyyyk Rebel Base and have been speaking with Lori E about it. I am needing to contact Harry for an acceptance for this parade I believe.
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You don't need to contact Harry. I'll add you to the list. See you Saturday!!
Sent from the Jedi Temple
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You don't need to contact Harry. I'll add you to the list. See you Saturday!!
Sent from the Jedi Temple
Wonderful, see you there!
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Missy, go ahead and put me down for spotting the crew. My TI project is a few weeks out!
Thanks, Dave
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Add one more spotter - Wendy L
Carrie Brissett will be a spotter
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Please roster my girlfriend Cat as a spotter if there are still spots available. Thanks!
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My potential spotter (Nate) cannot make this event. Sorry. :oops:
Lori
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I will be there in my newly approved ANH Stunt TK. My 16 year old son Liam and 12 year old daughter Bella will be with me and are very responsible. My question is my son built a Mando costume and although not a canon character it is very well done and I would say "Parade ready" can he participate with us in costume and hang out with me? Yes, I know there is the "Mandalorian Mercs" which are their own separate club but he's really proud of his costume and would like to wear it if possible. (I have to do my daddy duties and at least ask, especially since I am brand new and this is my first troop!)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160601/7839ab59b8a1f6a7546c766cba9f3611.jpg)
If not he would still be okay with being a spotter. We can also bring a "little red wagon" decorated SW style to collect any items that may get away from people during the route.
Thanks for your consideration.
Jim M.
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How do I apply to be a jedi knight (in this case Anakin) in the parade? I'd love to be a spotter if I can't walk in costume. THANKS!
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I will be there in my newly approved ANH Stunt TK. My 16 year old son Liam and 12 year old daughter Bella will be with me and are very responsible. My question is my son built a Mando costume and although not a canon character it is very well done and I would say "Parade ready" can he participate with us in costume and hang out with me? Yes, I know there is the "Mandalorian Mercs" which are their own separate club but he's really proud of his costume and would like to wear it if possible. (I have to do my daddy duties and at least ask, especially since I am brand new and this is my first troop!)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160601/7839ab59b8a1f6a7546c766cba9f3611.jpg)
If not he would still be okay with being a spotter. We can also bring a "little red wagon" decorated SW style to collect any items that may get away from people during the route.
Thanks for your consideration.
Jim M.
Hi, Jim. We typically need our spotters to be at least 18 years old. For this event I've pushed that to 15-16, but really do need to keep the age requirement there. So, 12 is pretty young to be a spotter at a parade due to the sometimes unruly nature of the crowd and that the spotters are sometimes the "bouncers" of the parade. So, I can't sign up your daughter. I hope you understand
As far as your son wearing his Mando armor, you'd need to run that by the event coordinators & and COs. I'd reach out to them in the general event thread.
Sent from the Jedi Temple
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How do I apply to be a jedi knight (in this case Anakin) in the parade? I'd love to be a spotter if I can't walk in costume. THANKS!
Is your Jedi Rebel Legion approved? If so, you'd just need to find the general event thread and sign up there. If not, we'd love to have you join us as a spotter.
Sent from the Jedi Temple
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I will be there in my newly approved ANH Stunt TK. My 16 year old son Liam and 12 year old daughter Bella will be with me and are very responsible. My question is my son built a Mando costume and although not a canon character it is very well done and I would say "Parade ready" can he participate with us in costume and hang out with me? Yes, I know there is the "Mandalorian Mercs" which are their own separate club but he's really proud of his costume and would like to wear it if possible. (I have to do my daddy duties and at least ask, especially since I am brand new and this is my first troop!)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160601/7839ab59b8a1f6a7546c766cba9f3611.jpg)
If not he would still be okay with being a spotter. We can also bring a "little red wagon" decorated SW style to collect any items that may get away from people during the route.
Thanks for your consideration.
Jim M.
Hi, Jim. We typically need our spotters to be at least 18 years old. For this event I've pushed that to 15-16, but really do need to keep the age requirement there. So, 12 is pretty young to be a spotter at a parade due to the sometimes unruly nature of the crowd and that the spotters are sometimes the "bouncers" of the parade. So, I can't sign up your daughter. I hope you understand
As far as your son wearing his Mando armor, you'd need to run that by the event coordinators & and COs. I'd reach out to them in the general event thread.
Sent from the Jedi Temple
Thanks for the reply Missy. I understand completely. I was thinking she could pull a wagon or something so she isn't necessarily interacting with the crowd. But instead I will have her come the the parade with her grandparents and watch. I'll shoot a message off to the others and see what they have to say about the costume. He's fine either way but it'd be fun to troop together.
Jim
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Steve can be a spotter. He will just be coming from work so should be downtown by 820-830, if that won't be too late.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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I'm not sure what time we'll actually be starting in the parade, but given our early spot (#14) I think we might have stepped off by 8:20-8:30. But, we can keep an eye out for him if we're still lined by then.
Sent from the Jedi Temple
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Since Pix is going to be in town so early maybe he can claim our spot for us? We can pay him back by bringing him some food. I know I owe him big time as he sent me his ANOVOS holster that he wasn't using to complete my build! What say you Pix? What are you hungry for.
Jim
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My Anakin is not Legion approved yet, so I will only be attending as a Portland spectator. A few of my friends wanted me to stay with them during the parade so I will not be able to spot during this one, good luck!
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The big day is tomorrow!! Here are a few reminders:
Don't forget to hydrate (and dehydrate :)) prior to our initial line up, which will likely be around 7:00pm. Once the costumers are in place I will help you find your assigned spotter location. I will also be providing some event specific instruction at the event. But, as Mindie posted earlier in the thread be prepared to offer a helping hand to the costumers (especially with the record breaking heat), watch for lost/fallen parts, and help any costumer that is "in trouble" for any reason (heat related, costume malfunction, etc.). Also, sometimes the crowd can be a little unruly and want to have a hug or other special interaction with their favorite character....we will need to protect the costumers from this type of attention. Remember helmeted costumers (storm troopers, Darth Vader, etc.) have VERY limited visibility and we'll be their eyes and ears!!
Arrive early since the streets all close several hours in anticipation of the parade and bring something to eat. Also, it's a really fun time to get to know some of the group and an excellent opportunity to pick the brains of 501st and Rebel Legion members if you have any thoughts of joining...which you totally should!!! :dancechewie:
Please do let me know when you get there...if we haven't met yet, just ask around for Missy and I can check you in.
See you all tomorrow!!
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Since I have drill with my Guard unit that day the earliest I can leave the base (at the airport) is 3:00pm. I'm thinking that will get me there between 3:30-4:00 depending on traffic. Will the streets still be open at that point? If not will they let event participants through? Also, since we'll need to hydrate and dehydrate well before the march are there Port-o-lets or other relieving areas?
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I can't say for sure whether the streets will be open or not. Most often you can sweet talk an officer into letting you through if you tell them you're a parade participant.
There are usually PortaPotties at various locations near our parking lot.
Sent from the Jedi Temple
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I didn't see it in the thread (btw this is Katie posting from Jason's comp) light or dark shirts, I can see a point for either.
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(posting for Jason) Sign me up as spotter :mrgreen:
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Usually dark. First preference is for CCG or KB shirts, followed by 501st or RL, then general Star Wars, and finally a plain dark shirt if none of the rest are available.
Sent from the Jedi Temple
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Usually dark. First preference is for CCG or KB shirts, followed by 501st or RL, then general Star Wars, and finally a plain dark shirt if none of the rest are available.
Sent from the Jedi Temple
Missy, would it be possible, if there are any available, to bring some shirts that spotters or new members, such as myself, could purchase this evening? As I just got access to the members section this week I haven't had time to order and get one shipped to me. Thanks. Also if you know of anyone else that has CCG/KB swag stickers, lanyards, patches, etc. this would be a good opportunity too? I already got some of the 10yr patches paid for and am getting them tonight but my armor bin could use some stickers!
Edit: I'm a size M, by the way, and so is my som Liam who is going to be a spotter.
Jim M.
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Hi, Jim. I don't have any spotter shirts. Or extra shirts for purchase. In the main area of the forum you should be able to find the info on purchasing the CCG merchandise that is available. I believe that there will be shopping bags available for purchase today, though.
Sent from the Jedi Temple
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Hi, Jim. I don't have any spotter shirts. Or extra shirts for purchase. In the main area of the forum you should be able to find the info on purchasing the CCG merchandise that is available. I believe that there will be shopping bags available for purchase today, though.
Sent from the Jedi Temple
Thanks! I've been browsing that section pretty heavily and will be ordering a few different things I've found. I'm looking forward to today and have been hydrating all morning. See you all downtown around 430. I have to drop my daughter off for her high school recital at 4. Don't worry I went to the opening show last night, I would never put anything before family!! I love Star Wars but I love my family more.
Jim M.
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Jim, I'll chime in here too to say that we don't have any shirts on-hand available for sale. All previous shirt runs were done on a preorder/prepayment basis, and now we have the website set up to order from so that we don't have to fill and manage a full run to get them going.
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Sorry guys I've got a last minute drop out on my spotter Cat. I will still be there though.
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I want to thank the spotters for making this another successful Starlight parade. You are very valuable to the success of this parade helping out the troopers. Without your help this parade would not be possible.
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Thank you to all of our spotters who came out to help tonight. We simply could not have an appearance in the Starlight Parade without you.
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Spotters were definitely a life saver tonight! I can't imagine there being a more grueling troop than 2 1/2 miles mostly uphill in record heat! Thanks for being there for us!
Jim M.
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I was so hot I attempted to disrobe but my spotter made sure I kept all my parts on. Joel, you rock
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Spotters were amazing and critical to our success this year! Thank you all!
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Great job, everyone!! I really appreciate your help and so does all of Star Wars Oregon. Without your contributions we would not be able to pull this off. Thank you again!
Sent from the Jedi Temple
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Thank you spotters!
You did an amazing job keeping us hydrated, walking, and safe from the couple of people who wanted to get up close and personal.
Mostly for the hydration awareness!
Thank you!
Thank you!
Thank you!
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I would also like to thank all the spotters! Especially the guy that helped me back to my car. (I forgot your name already D:)
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That was Carl. :)
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That was Carl. :)
Yeah! That's right!
Super nice dude. I really appreciated his help.
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Spotters were so great! Can't thank them all enough. It makes a crazy difference. They can't get enough applause at any event, but especially this one. Thank you to them all!
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Many many thanks to all the spotters for getting us through that crucible of heat. Literally could not have done it without you!
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Spotters Rocked!
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Spotters were awesome. Thank you very much for your help!
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Thank you so much, guys and gals for your help with the parade this year. This year looked like it was more work than ever with the water wagons and all. /3cheers!
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I was so hot I attempted to disrobe but my spotter made sure I kept all my parts on. Joel, you rock
I was really disappointed not being able to get your cape to hang correctly. I knew so little how your costume went together putting it back together on the move was not my best work :)
It was a pleasure being useful. Someday I'll get a costume of my own... I am thinking Scout/Bike trooper then in a dream world where I have money go for a full tilt Chewie.
Thank you to all costumers for acknowledging the spotters. It was amazing having so many be able to make it through the entire route. That heat with all those layers and helmets was insane.
--- Joel
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Revan's wardrobe is a mystery too powerful to be uttered here.