UPCOMING SUPERMAN CELEBRATION SHOULD DRAW CROWD OF 60,000

METROPOLIS, Ill. -- When Superman visits Metropolis this weekend, he'll be easily identifiable -- blue-and-red uniform, red cape, dark hair, spit curl and all.

That's a far cry from a couple of years ago, when the "Man of Steel" suddenly took on a new look -- a tight-fitting, robot-looking, silver-and-white outfit.

A lot has happened to America's No. 1 comic-book hero over the past few years:

-- He died.

-- He was rejuvenated as a near robot, minus his cape.

-- He married reporter Lois Lane.

But, just as Metropolis City Officials were discussing the notion of changing the statue of Superman statue to conform with the new look, the hero came bounding back as his old self.

That change came just in time for the annual Superman Celebration in 1997, held in this river community of about 7,500 in mid-June of each year.

Metropolis, the only incorporated city by that name in the United States, is the self-proclaimed home-town of Superman, who made his appearance on Earth more than 60 years

Superman fans from across the nation will pour into the community this week for the 21st annual celebration.

The celebration attracts between 55,000 and 60,000 people during its four-day run.

The Superman Celebration starts Thursday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Superman Statue at 5:30 p.m.

A number of Superman celebrities will be on hand for the 1999 event, including Gerald Christopher, who will be visiting the city for the second time during the 1990s.

Christopher played the title character in the "Superboy" television series. He will be at the Superman Square Tent from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday. He will also be on hand Saturday from 2 to 5 at 607 Market St.

Since "Superboy," Christopher has appeared in films, "Dangerously Close" and "First of May." He has also guest-starred on television's "Melrose Place," "Silk Stockings," "Murphy's Law" and "True Confessions."

When Christopher played Superboy, the program ratings were among the top 10 ranked shows.

Others appearing at this year celebration include three Superman artists -- Alex Ross, Kerry Gammil and Rick Stasi.

Also appearing at the celebration will be John Field, a superman expert.

The Superman Celebration will offer a variety of entertainment options -- Concerts, variety shows, and exhibitions, featuring the Richard "Rip Lee" Pryor blues band, New Acts, a jazz quartet, Jackson Junction country/rock band, and the Ray Sullenger Orchestra, big band and swing.

A number of participation events are on the schedule, from the Superman trek bike ride, a 4-mile road race, to the Superman three-on-three basketball tournament. Also planned are the Superman tennis tournament, the super dog contest and many children's games, including a video game contest.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Thursday

5:30 p.m. -- Ribbon-cutting ceremony and a Superman Drama, Superman Square.

6 p.m. -- Little Miss Super Girl and Mr. Super Boy contests.

7 p.m. -- Four-mile road race, 2-mile super fund walk, Ft. Massac Park.

7 p.m. Jackson Junction Country/Rock band.

Friday

All day: street fair, arts and crafts, Friends of Library book fair, sidewalk sales and carnival rides.

1 p.m. -- Youths games, courthouse lawn.

2 p.m. -- Kal Kotter Magic Show.

2 p.m. -- Kerry Gammil, at the tent.

6 p.m. -- Local Hero contest.

6:30 p.m. -- New Arts Jazz Quarter, at the tent.

8:30 -- Ray Sullegner Orchestra.

Saturday

All day -- street fair, arts and crafts, Friends of Library book fair, sidewalk sales and carnival rides.

8 a.m. -- Bicycle ride, Fort Massac Park; tennis tournament, Lincoln Park.

8 a.m. -- Tennis tournanmet starts, finals Sunday.

10 a.m. -- Parade.

10 a.m. -- Garden walk & flower show; Living History at Ft. Massac; Video game contest.

10:30 a.m. -- Super Dog contest.

11 a.m. -- Kal Kotter Magic.

Noon -- Super Drama, at the ten; all celebrity on Superman

Square.

12:30 p.m. -- Arm wrestling.

1 p.m. -- Louis and Clark Pool tournament.

1 p.m. -- John Fields, at Players Theater.

4 p.m. -- Talent Show.

5 p.m., Wrestling.

7 p.m. Richard "Rip Lee" Pryor Blues band.

Sunday

All day -- Street fair; car show, at Fort Massac.

Noon 10 a.m. -- Living history, Fort Massac.

1 p.m. -- Gospel Music, under the tent.