May 4 is officially Intergalactic Star Wars Day. In Denver, the place to be for the celebration is Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. Count on it like wisdom from Yoda, each year the site will host Star Wars Day at the Hangar. This year 2,500 people came out — many in costume — to honor the saga, take a few cuts with the event’s own version of a light saber, blast a few shots at a storm trooper, and take their place behind the controls of an authentic X-Wing Fighter.
“The first year we hosted a thank you event for 30 people. It’s now grown to thousands coming through the door today,” confirmed Mathew Burchette, curator for the museum.
He then gave all the credit for the success of the day to three groups: Rocky Mountain FanForce, The Rebel Legion and 501st Legion. The first is a social group for Star Wars fans to collectively share their affinity for the series. The other two are official Lucasfilm approved costuming groups. The Rebel Legion is recognized as the world’s premier “Good Guy” Star Wars costuming organization. The second, well, as you can guess, represent the “the dark side.”
One dedicated parent braved the 80-degree day to come as Chewbacca, the gaint hairy Wookie from the movie. This was his second time attending with his son. “It’s a super father-son thing to do. We did it last year and this year we decided to dress up. It’s a lot of fun,” smiled the man as he hugged his miniature Hans Solo partner.
One mother, son duo took in all the sights and beep-beep sounds. “He’s a huge Star Wars fan. He has posters in his room from when he was very, very young.” Her now full-grown son even took a lesson from an X-Wing pilot on how to stun the character.
The whole Wasinger family came out decked for the day. “We look forward to this each year,” replied the costumed-clad mom.
Rocky Mountain FanForce, the guiding organizers of the event, generously gave out “play” light sabers to fans only after they successfully answered a trivia question.
“I’ve watched Star Wars since the day I was born,” expressed 10-year-old Kyala, in between casting questions to those wanting to earn the saber. “My dad still collects Star Wars action figures.”
Maureen Kiefer explained her two girls, Lucy and Kate, were set for all photos with pre-defined movie scene poses. “They are obsessed with Star Wars. One day we watched and they’ve been hooked ever since.”
“How many people can say they worked on a real X-Wing?” said Jeff Rodriguez referencing the rare and rewarding opportunity of maintaining the craft. He, along with 10-15 other volunteers, donate hours to keep the craft in top shape. His group works to preserve the space vehicle along with keeping it up-to-date with electronics.
As Yoda would say, “Patience you MUST HAVE my young padawan.” The event will come back around next year and when it does, entertain your inner Storm Trooper with a trip to Wings Over the Rockies.
May the 4th Be With You.
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- Deonna and Alex stop for a photo with the Revanites, a secret society within the Sith Empire
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- Revanites unite at Wings Over the Rockies
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- Tony and Shana from The Rebel Legion enjoy Star Wars Day
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- True to form, Tony and Shana are good guys from The Rebel Legion
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- X-Wing Pilots were ready for photos with event guests
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- The event was in good hands with Jennifer J. Peterson and Jeff Rodriguez
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- Tony poses with Harmony, who is from the 501st Legion
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- A view from the X-Wing
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- A family flocks to photos with Star Wars characters
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- A family poses at the green screen to be a part of a Star Wars scene
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- An aspiring Jedi gets a thumbs up for his pose
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- The next Luke Skywalker
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- Tina Dohahue, center, enjoys the day with her daughter Kira and son Brendan
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- Nicole Flores strikes a pose with R2D2s
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- Gary Flores gets down to R2D2s level at Star Wars Day
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- A young one comes eye to eye with a droid
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- Captivating sculptures from movie scenes
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- A storm trooper takes a picture with a young Jedi
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- Dad Matt and son Miles show off their light saber skills
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- Miles shows off his light sabers
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- Dad Jay dressed as Chewy and enjoys the day with his son Wells
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- Guests had a great time playing interactive games
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- The one day a year the X-Wing fighter is open for seating
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- Diego stuns an X-Wing Fighter pilot
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- Son Diego and Mom Ruth had a great day
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- Gina won a seat in the X-Wing Fighter
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- R2D2 rides in the X-Wing
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- Reece was loving his moment in the X-Wing
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- The X-Wing was a hit with all ages
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- A family takes advantage of the green screen photography
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- Lucas and Mia post for pictures
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- Zazi on set at Star Wars Day
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- Artist Kevin Graham shares his Star Wars creations
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- It was a great day for Miriam, Alex and Zen
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- Michael and Nathan pose with a storm trooper
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- Big smiles for photo ops with Star Wars characters
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- A fierce Star Wars trio
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- Blast a Trooper was a popular interactive activity for visitors
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- A future Jedi learns to blast a trooper
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- Taking a turn at Blast a Trooper
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- Brothers Elwood, Jacob and Landon show off their best Star Wars stances
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- Ready to take on the world
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- Volunteers Sydney, left, Mia and Lexi
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- A family day of fun for Mike and Sarah Wasinger and kids
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- Sarah Wasinger strikes a Star Wars pose
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- Frank and Logan Jedlicka take time out for a photo
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- Billy Van Ark and Nikki Ebright show off matching Myth & Legends Con shirts at the event
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- Britt Zuenzlen enjoys the Star Wars experience with her boys
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- Comic Book Classroom was there
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- Young Jedis at 3 and 5 years old
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- Good friends Kristi Wheeler, left, and Zoe Morgan venture to Star Wars Day for the first time
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- It’s a fun family day for Walden Walker, Ali and Xavier
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- Rocky Mountain Fan Force gave out light sabers to fans who correctly answered trivia questions
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- Reese and Logan quickly answer trivia questions to get their light sabers
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- Reese and Logan show off their Jedi skills
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- It’s a magnificent day for Maureen Kiefer and her daughters Kate and Lucy
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- Maureen Kiefer as her daughters Kate and Lucy strike Star Wars poses
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- The event was in good hands with Jennifer J. Peterson and Mathew Buirchette steering the ship
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- Tony and Mathew Burchette take time out for a photo at Star Wars Day at the Hangar
