Celebration VI (Thu – Part II)

by Darth Danno
on 2012-09-14, 11:28:28

Ian said that since he had an extra bed in his room, either Barry or I were welcome to it, as opposed to sharing a couch. Barry was pretty well situated at the couch as far as his suitcase and all, so I took Ian up on his offer.

Alfie had gotten in in the morning and had taken a cab directly from the airport to the convention center, so he had the pull out couch in Sean and Lisa’s room. We waited for Sean and Lisa to come back from the Kevin Smith show, once they did; we all headed off to the Force.net party except for Barry, who was tired and just wanted to relax in the suite.

I rode over with Cris and Ian, the party ran from 7-12. I don’t remember what time we got there, but it was already pretty late. Cris and Ian found a corner and started setting up the camera to do some filming here, and the rest of us just mingled around. I hadn’t eaten anything since lunch and was starving, could have used something to drink as well, but considering soda was $3.00, I passed on that. Finally they had some light refreshments brought out in the form of chicken strips, egg rolls, and fried mushrooms, so I loaded up my plate with those. While standing there, I looked to my right and who was next to me but John Morton! I talked to him for a few minutes, then went off to scarf down my food.

I ended up going back for seconds, and thirds. Once my appetite was sated I walked around to see what there was to see. Cool SW centerpieces adorned each table, music was playing and some people were dancing. Saw Chris Trevas walking around. Got my picture taken with Tom Kane, Kyle Newman, the guys of the Forcecast, Pablo Hidalgo, and took pictures of Amy Allen and the Jensen brothers. Then, as I was at the far end of the room, I spied someone standing near the doorway, someone in a black hat. I thought, no, it couldn’t be, but edged closer for a better look. Not wanting to get my hopes up until I was absolutely sure, I got even closer until I was absolutely, positively sure…and it was, none other than…Dave Filoni!!!

I knew we were in the same state, and the same city, but here we were in the same room! I couldn’t believe it! I found Sean and asked if he had a marker, he pulled one out of his pocket and I ran back to where Mr. Filoni was standing, talking to other guests. I patiently waited until it was my turn, walked up to him and told him what a big fan I was and what an honor it was to meet him. I got my picture taken with him and had him sign the SW shirt I was wearing. Then I turned to leave and saw Ian standing there with the camera, he had filmed the whole thing! So I screamed into the camera “I MET DAVE FILONI!!!” Turned and gave Dave a huge hug, right on camera! Definitely one of, if not THE highlight of the trip.

By now it was 11:30 and we were pretty tired. Cris wanted to film some more, so I caught a ride back with Alfie, Sean, and Lisa to the Hotel, but not before snatching one of the SW centerpieces off one of the tables.

Once back, I got ready for bed and was soon fast asleep, another long day ahead, but oh what a day it would be!