SUPERMAN ACTIVITIES TODAY, SUNDAY

METROPOLIS, Ill. -- A year ago, a man entered the antique telephone booth inside the Metropolis Chamber of Commerce. A few seconds later, he merged with a Superman T-Shirt.

The quick-change artist was in town for the annual four-day, Superman Celebration held in this community of 7,000 residents.

The man, who wanted to remain anonymous, was a serious Superman collector.

"I just wanted to see how it felt to switch clothes in a small telephone booth," he said.

Thousands of people will crowd into Metropolis again this weekend for the 19th annual celebration of the super-hero, including a star of yesteryear.

Celebrity appearances include Noel Neill, who played Lois Lane in the 1950s television series, "The Adventures of Superman."

Neill is the "second" Lois Lane to visit Superman's hometown in recent years. Phyllis Coates, who played Lois lane from 1951-53 visited the Superman Celebration three years ago.

Also making an appearance at this year's celebration will be George Lindsey, better known among yesteryear's television viewers as "Goober," a service station attendant and mechanic, in the "Andy Griffith" and "Mayberry RFD" TV shows.

Neill and Lindsey appeared in a "Celebrity Welcome" event held at the Merv Griffin Theater Friday, and both will appear in the 10 a.m. parade today. Lindsey appeared on stage Friday night.

More than 50,000 people have attended the last few Superman Celebrations, and that many, or more, are expected for the four-day event which started Thursday.

Neill will appear on stage at 11 a.m. today. The stage is in front of the giant, 3-ton, 15-foot sculpture of the "Man of Steel."

The statue, cast in bronze, was placed in the Metropolis town square on a pedestal inscribed with a giant "S" a few years ago. Although the celebration is in 19th year, the town is celebrating 25 years as the "Official Hometown of Superman."

Also in the spotlight today and Sunday is a Comic Collector's Show, to be held in the old Happy Hearts building on Superman Square. Appearing at the show will be Adrian Havill, author of a "Man of Steel" book.

The schedule:

Today

All day: Food fair, arts and crafts, sidewalk sales, carnival rides, Living History at Fort Massac Park, Super Museum on Superman Square; Superman Tennis Tournament

8 a.m.: SuperTrek Bicycle Ride, 15, 31 and 62-mile rides, starts at Fort Massac.

9 a.m.: Book Sale, by Friends of Metropolis Library, in former Metropolis Drugs building.

10 a.m.: Parade, led by Noel Neill, George Lindsey, and the Rev. Charles Chandler, start at Player Theater, to Superman Square.

10 a.m.-4 p.m.: "Touch a Truck," children may explore fire truck, police car and other official vehicles at Superman Square.

10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Superman Stamp Cancellation Booth. Post office offers collector's stamped enveloped, Superman Square.

10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Metropolis Garden Club Garden walk, tour information at Curtis House Museum, 405 Market St.

10 a.m.-7 p.m.: Comic Book Collectors Show, Superman Square.

10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.: Kids's games on courthouse lawn.

11 a.m. Noel Neill on stage.

Noon: Superman Drama, on stage.

12:30 p.m.: The Rev. Charles Chandler, Metropolis' first Superman.

1-3 p.m.: Color a Cape, Superman cape making contest for kids.

2 p.m.: Super Fun for Kids (Kal Kotter Magic Show) on stage.

3 p.m.: Super Dog contest, on stage.

4 p.m.: Talent Show, on stage.

5:30 p.m. Massac County High School Dance Team performance on stage.

6 p.m. Superman Benefit Dinner and Auction, Player Theater. Event to benefit Christopher Reeve Foundation and Metropolis Citizens for Superman.

7 p.m.: Shoe Carnival games and prizes, at the stage.

8 p.m.: Classic Rock Night, with music by "Thin Ice," on stage.

Sunday

8 a.m.-4 p.m.: Super Care Show, at Fort Massac.

9 a.m.: Non-denominational Worship and Song Service, Fort Massac Park.

10 a.m.-7 p.m.: Comic Book Collectors Show, Superman Square.

10 a.m. 3 p.m.: Living History at Fort Massac.