16 Apr 2008 :: Balloons Over Waikato - Vader Balloon & Bodie Taylor

Last Saturday (12th April) saw a double Star Wars event in Hamilton. The Vader Balloon & Bodie Taylor. The basis for this Star Wars day was the 'Night Glow' component of the Balloons Over Waikato festival. A featured guest during this hot air balloon gathering was the over-sized Darth Vader helmet-shaped balloon, over from Belgium, that has flown at a number of events in Europe, and, more recently, in USA. The balloon is 26 metres tall, is officially approved by Lucasfilm, and was made by transforming vector models of Vader's helmet into a giant, flight-ready representation of the Dark Side. The balloon made its first flight on March 8, 2007.

At the invitation of the Vader balloon's pilot, Michel Lambert, members of New Zealand's Imperial Costuming group, the Outpost-42 Garrison of the 501st Legion, attended the event to support and promote the inflatable galactic villain. A colourful collection of prequel and original trilogy characters mingled for photos, adding to the strong dark-side theme.

But, there was also a very important kiwi Star Wars guest in attendance as well. Actor Bodie Taylor, who played clonetroopers in both Episode 2 and Episode 3 (most famous for the dining hall crowd scene in Attack of the Clones) made an appearance in conjunction with Outpost-42, so that he could be formally inducted as an honorary 501st member. Bodie is a resident of the Waikato, and is currently working on a couple of projects involving the teaching of Maori culture and indigenous martial arts. He was presented with an honorary membership plaque, a selection of items of Outpost-42 merchandise, and a Hasbro Clonetrooper figure...to emphasise the fact that you know you've "made it" when there is an official toy made in your likeness. Of the figure he commented that the Hasbro sculptors did a good job with respect to accuracy, right down to his family nose.

You can read more about Bodie Taylor's background and role in Star Wars, in the New Zealand Connexion section of SWNZ - follow this link to read an account in his own words.

Once the sun went down, the balloons were able to take the limelight. Or, more correctly, a mix of spotlight and flame-light. "Act One" of the Night Glow comprised live music and entertainment from 4pm, then "Act Two" got underway with approximately twenty tethered balloons inflating to capacity. Vader commanded the centre stage. From a little after 7pm, a choreographed light show of glowing balloons played in conjunction with themed music from blockbuster movies (Star Wars included, of course) and related hits. I stood with others from the 501st at the base of the giant Sith Lord, and experienced the proceedings from the unique perspective of being surrounded by the impressive luminous air craft...a daunting and interesting feeling of scale. As the balloons were reigned back after 30 minutes of incandescent performance, the spectacular fireworks display capped off the evening. All-in-all, a well organised visual and auditory extravaganza, undoubtedly enjoyed by all attendees.

Related article: Bodie Taylor as the Clone Soldiers.
Related link: Darth Vader Balloon (English).
Related link: Balloons Over Waikato.

Matt G
(with thanks to Graeme F and Jill F/Liz M for help with the photos)