The annual Princess Superhero event returned Saturday to the Volo Museum as a tradition for many families during spring break.
The event featured children 12 and under entering for free if they wore costumes. Many were seen in Spider-Man costumes and pastel Disney princess dresses.
Jim Wojdyla, the museum’s marketing director, said the annual event captures the enduring power of fairytales and superhero storylines.
Lily Balmer, 18 months, of Joliet, walks by Barbie-themed car memorabilia with family at the annual Princess Superhero event on March 30, 2024 at Volo Museum. (Karie Angell Luc/Lake County News-Sun)
“It’s just really cool energy, and a really cool event,” he said. “I think both the princesses and the superheroes, it’s just the magic. Kids love the magic and the storytelling behind them.
“Everything that we have on exhibit is a movie car, or Disney display, or some vintage thing,” Wojdyla said. “It’s got a story behind it, and it’s got magic. It’s got its own nostalgia, and its own magic for any age. If you don’t have magic, what do you have?”
Costumed characters were provided by Fairytale Birthday Company, Costumers With A Cause (CWC) Midwest chapter and The Windy City Ghostbusters. The CWC and The Windy City Ghostbusters had a charitable goal. People in costume with both organizations were volunteers.
“We do this every year for the Volo Auto Museum,” said CWC administrator Jennifer Greeley. “We’re always trying to collaborate with different organizations or non-profits, and just put on social events and do some special things that make people proud.”
Mary Jo Chrabasz spoke on behalf of The Windy City Ghostbusters as a member since 2011.
Making people happy by appearing as a Ghostbuster is, “a really nice feeling,” she said.
The “Ghostbusters” movie came out in 1984, making this year the 40th anniversary of the film’s release. For 2024, now playing in theaters is the latest franchise entry, “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.”
“I grew up wanting to be a Ghostbuster,” Chrabasz said. “There’s just something magical, especially with the new movie out, seeing the characters out in the world. The kids love it, the big kids love it.”
Center, Slimer the green ghost from the “Ghostbusters” franchise makes an appearance at the annual Princess Superhero event on March 30, 2024 at Volo Museum. (Karie Angell Luc/Lake County News-Sun)
Launching as a volunteer to Costumers With A Cause was Flash, portrayed by newcomer Robert Barclay of Racine, Wisconsin.
“If more people volunteered and did things that helped other people, this would be a much better place to live,” he said.
Dressed as Disney princess Belle from “Beauty and the Beast” was Skylar Leon, 9, of Wonder Lake, who posed for a photo opportunity with Costumers With A Cause.
Skylar said the costumed characters were “awesome.”
Right, in pink, Georgia Balmer, 3, of Joliet, has just visited with Disney characters at the annual Princess Superhero event on March 30, 2024 at Volo Museum. (Karie Angell Luc/Lake County News-Sun)
Wojdyla said almost 20% of museum visitors, “come from outside the state, and from all over the world. We have people come in from Sweden or Germany, and it’s their first time on holiday in the States and they’re only here for two weeks and Volo Museum is one of the things on the list.
“What’s special about us and being in Lake County is that we’re more Midwestern,” he said. “We have this kind of a cult following. There’s really no other place like it.”
Visit https://www.volocars.com.
