LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — Southern Maryland families will soon have the chance to see larger-than-life characters roll into town when the Ridge Lions Club partners with the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum to host their Optimus Prime and Friends event Oct. 18-19. The event will feature themes from Transformers, Ghostbusters, Star Wars, HALO and more.
The two-day event will showcase 24 Transformers vehicles with cosplayers, a HALO Warthog with the 405th Infantry Team, Chesapeake Ghostbusters with their iconic cars, the 501st Old Line Garrison of Star Wars cosplayers and vehicles, and Southern Maryland’s own “HULK Truck” with the Foundation4Heroes. Highlights include live robot cosplayers of Optimus Prime, Bumblebee and Ironhide, with Optimus Prime scheduled to “talk” at posted times each day.
For organizer Leo Gillespie, a member of both the Ridge Lions Club and Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad, the event signals an opportunity to promote messages of kindness, respect and standing up for others.
“This is more about giving back than collecting funds,” Gillespie said. “I started this back in 2022 with our first visit from Optimus Prime for the Veterans Day parade in 2023.”
Since then, the effort has grown into an annual collaboration with nonprofit groups to connect families with community organizations while providing something unique for Southern Maryland.
The event includes special anti-bullying presentations, positive messaging and VIP experiences for three families, coordinated with the Clements Cuties.
“All of these organizations do so much for our local communities,” Gillespie said. “It’s a way to share something amazing with our community and let people know who we are and what we do in our local areas.”
Any funds raised beyond event expenses will stay in the community, supporting the Lions Club’s mission of providing eyeglasses, hearing aids, and free hearing and sight testing for families in need. The Ridge Lions also support diabetes education and programs such as Tracy’s Kids, which provides art supplies for children facing serious illness.
Visitors can expect food trucks, vendors and special meet-and-greets, including Texas Roadhouse’s “Andy” and Sparky from the Ridge Volunteer Fire Department. For families, the event is designed to be immersive, fun and meaningful.
With its mix of fan-favorite vehicles, characters and community service, the October showcase promises to be one of the most unique gatherings in Southern Maryland.
For more information, visit the Ridge Lions Club Facebook page.
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