Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
IN A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY — May the Fourth be with you, always. Or at least this weekend.
May the Fourth is the official "Star Wars" day around the world, as fans of the franchise gather together to celebrate their fandom on a day that sounds remarkably like the mantra of the Rebel Alliance in their fight against the Galactic Empire.
Utah holds the title of the “nerdiest” state in the nation, and a large part of that is built on a very active "Star Wars" fandom. So it should be no surprise that "Star Wars" fans throughout the state are planning several gatherings on May 4 and into the weekend to celebrate.
Here are some of the events you can look forward to on the official "Star Wars" day. And no matter what you end up doing, may the force be with you.
Viridian, Salt Lake County Library’s event center: “May the Fourth be With You: A Star Wars Affair”
On May 4, the Salt Lake County Library will be hosting a Star Wars event at the Viridian event center. The event will include “costume contests, lip sync battles, trivia contests, photo opportunities, mocktails, prizes, vendors and refreshments” and is free for adults only. Kids should be left at home for this event.
- When: Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
- Where: The Viridian, 8030 S. 1825 West, West Jordan
- Cost: Free for Adults
Urban Art Gallery: Star Wars Day/ Heroes and Villains
In conjunction with Salt Lake Comic Con, the Urban Art Gallery will mark the opening of their annual Star Wars-related art exhibit with an artist reception, costume contests and special appearances by Star Wars cosplayers.
Even after the party is over, the exhibit will run through to the end of May.
- When: Thursday from 6 - 9 p.m
- Where: Urban Arts Gallery, 137 S. Rio Grande St., Salt Lake City
- Cost: Free
Laser Zone Fundraiser: Laser tag with the 501st Legion
Members of the Star Wars cosplaying group the 501st Legion — named after Darth Vader’s personal command of Storm Troopers — are sponsoring a fundraiser at the Sunset laser tag arena, Laser Zone.
Proceeds from the event will go toward local elementary schools, according to the 501st Legion spokesman Jason Luu, Garrison PR officer.
- When: Thursday from 4 - 8 p.m.
- Where: Laser Zone, 327 W. 1300 North, Sunset
- Cost: $6.50 for one game, $11 for two games, and groups rates of $9 for parties of 12 or more.
501st Legion sponsored Family Day at the Utah State University Tooele extension
The USU Tooele extension will be holding a family day event at its campus on Thursday, and Luu said the members of the 501st Legion will be present to make sure the edible popsicle lightsabers don’t get out of hand. A genealogy booth and arts and crafts will also be available for families looking to spend "Star Wars" day together.
Luu said that the event is free, but it is asked that families bring a can of food for the Utah Food Bank.
- When: Thursday, 6 - 8 p.m.
- Where: Utah State University Tooele, 1021 W. Vine St., Tooele
- Cost: Free admission, but canned food donations for the Utah Food Bank are encouraged
Geocaching in Kaysville =======================
Geocaching is an activity where people use GPS coordinates and a GPS (or the force) to search for hidden prizes and objects. On Thursday, Utah geocachers will be meeting in Kaysville to search for the hidden rebel base or any other prizes they can find.
The terrain and difficulty are rated as easy and the event is family friendly.
- When: Thursday from 7 - 8 p.m.
- Where: Kaysville
- Cost: Free
Art After Dark in a Galaxy Far, Far Away ========================================
On Friday, the Leonardo will be having a 21 and over event that both celebrates "Star Wars" day, and the closing of their science exhibit "Alien Worlds and Androids."
The event will feature live drawing models and artists from Sketch Cabaret, dressed up in "Star Wars" themed costumes and makeup. Imperial Guards will also roam the exhibits, as live music and drinks are also offered. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own art supplies to participate in the event.
- When: Thursday from 7:30 - 11 p.m.
- Where: The Leonardo, 209 E. 500 South, Salt Lake City
- Cost: $21, though members of the Leonardo get 50 percent off
The Leonardo, Rebels and Rogues Family Weekend ==============================================
For those unable to attend family events during the work week, on the weekend — starting on the Revenge of the Sixth — the Leonardo invites families to "pack up your little droids, hop in your TIE-fighter and speed run down to The Leonardo where you’ll experience activities that will make you feel like you’re partying on the moons of Endor" during the closing weekend of their "Alien Worlds and Androids" exhibit.
Aside from the normal exhibits, several members of the 501st Legion and other cosplayers will be attending to give the event — which already features a life-size replica of R2-D2 — that feeling of being in a galaxy far, far away.
- When: 10 a.m. Saturday - 5 p.m. Sunday
- Where: The Leonardo, 209 E. 500 South, Salt Lake City
- Cost: $12.95 for adults, $8.95 for children ages 3-12, and free for children 3 and under
