Summer Adventures Begin in Metropolis

Metropolis is an exciting place for your adventure to begin this summer! With one-of-a-kind events, unique attractions, and miles of beautiful nature to explore, Metropolis is a great place to visit.

The pandemic forced the cancellation of all last year’s events, but Metropolis is open and ready to welcome event attendees in 2021. For over two decades the Archery Shooters Association (ASA) has hosted the Mathews Pro/Am Championship at Mermet Lake. This year the event will take place from June 24 - 27. The Pro/Am brings ASA members to Metropolis where they compete for cash and prizes, as well as the chance to attend the world championships held later in the year.

Also returning in 2021 is the flagship event of Metropolis, the Superman Celebration.

“It was heartbreaking to have to cancel the event last year, but we are planning a fantastic event for 2021,” said Karla Ogle, co-chair of the event. “For over 40 years, the Superman Celebration has brought Superman fans from around the globe to Metropolis where they can celebrate all things Super. Because COVID restrictions were still in place during the planning process the dates for the event this year differ from the traditional 2nd weekend of June. In 2021 the event will take place July 30 - Aug 1. As Illinois is planning to enter Phase 5 of its reopening on June 11, the revised dates will allow for no gathering restrictions.”

The guest list for the 2021 celebration includes K Callan, Nicholle Toms, & Ilan Mitchell Smith. K Callan is known for her role as Superman’s Mom on Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman and more recently in the film Knives Out. Nicholle Tom has the honor of being the first actress to voice Supergirl in the two-part animation, Superman: The Animated Series. She also voiced Supergirl in The New Batman Adventures, Justice League Unlimited, and Justice League: Battle for Metropolis. She is well known for her role of Maggie Sheffield in The Nanny as well as Ryce Newton in Beethoven and Beethoven’s 2nd.

Ilan Mitchell Smith had the role of Andy McAlister on the television series Superboy from 1989 – 1991 but is also known for the character Wyatt Donnelly in the hit film Weird Science. All three guests will be available to meet fans on Friday and Saturday and will take part in a Q & A at the Metro Tent.

This year Artist Alley & Writers Way will have a new location. The former Metropolis Planet Building at 111 East 5th Street will house artists and writers and will be open all three days of the event. Artist Alley and Writers Way special guests will include Metropolis native Blake Armstrong of Spaceboy Comics who specializes in artwork for album covers, magazine covers, and movie posters. Scott Godlewski is the co-creator and artist of Copperhead. His credits include being the cover artist and writer on many DC titles. Matthew Clark has drawn many titles including Wonder Woman Rebirth, Justice League, Adventures of Superman, Doom Patrol, and Teen Titans.

Fans will enjoy the addition of great programming in the schedule including costuming, special effects make-up, and cosplay. Programs are for both beginners and advanced costume makers.

Games, contests, and many fun activities will run throughout the weekend. One of the highlights is the Heroes & Villains Costume Contest on Sunday. Families with children will want to visit the Smallville tent where a full schedule of activities will take place. There will be a Kids Costume Contest, Super Silly Games, and Superhero Training Camp. The streets will be lined with vendors selling food, sweets, and lots of interesting items to see.

If you aren’t quite ready to join the crowds, Metropolis has a variety of great attractions to keep you busy. The Super Museum is a uniquely Metropolis attraction that houses one of the world’s largest privatelyowned collections of Superman memorabilia. The attraction is open every day and is a very affordable place to enjoy some family entertainment.

Maybe you want to take your adventure underwater? Metropolis can do that! Yes, Metropolis is located on the banks of the Ohio River, but for this adventure, you will go to Mermet Springs. This hidden gem is well known to scuba divers across the Midwest. You can learn to dive at this facility and also explore the underwater playground created with railroad cars, ambulances, and even the 727 airplane used in the movie US Marshals.

If being out in nature is your thing, Metropolis has it all. You can spend your days on Mermet Lake fishing and relaxing as you enjoy the scenic beauty of the area. Mermet Lake Fish and Wildlife Area has many hiking trails that are great to explore. Fort Massac State Park also offers a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy during the summer months. Test your disc golf skills at one of the nicest courses in the region that covers almost the entire public area of the park. You can also explore the trails through the Shawnee National Forest, or bike the George Rogers Clark Discovery Trail.

No matter what your adventure may be, Metropolis is sure to meet your needs. For more information about planning your summer trip to Metropolis, visit metropolistourism.com. 