May the Fourth Be With You
By Middagh Goodwin
On May 4th, Star Wars is on everyone’s mind worldwide. But it is an extra special day here in Modesto, USA, where we are the home of the creator, George Lucas. The original Star Wars movie was released on May 25, 1977, a day that changed modern film forever. From the opening theme and the rolling script, the world had a new lexicon of interstellar, starships, and even speed measurements. In as little as a few parsecs, this film propelled Modesto native George Lucas into the Hyperspace of film fame.
We have celebrated May the Fourth since 2016, when the Modesto City Council was the first to make an official proclamation, making it Star Wars Day. Yes, friends, this is our day, and we will celebrate and bring the action to 10th St Plaza. So get the whole family and join the Northern California Star Wars community in celebrating May 4 in Downtown Modesto—a free, family-friendly event. We have invited the 501st, Central Valley Cosplayers, Dark Empire, the Wolves of Mandalore, the Rebel Legion, and Astromech builders to join us at this event. Horizon Point will go full Jedi performing in the Plaza; you can expect a few musical interludes from the movies. We will also have a band composed of students from different Modesto schools, led by Brad Hart(Johansen High School/MoBand conductor), performing some movie selections. There will be vendors, artists, face painters, and two extraordinary guests, Andrew Nelson, who spent more time in the Darth Vader suit than any other actor, and David Gonzales, who portrayed Ak-Rev in the 1997 special edition of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. You won’t want to miss the lightsaber battles as the sun goes down. I will create a Death Star Pinata or two for the kids to enjoy. Everyone is encouraged to cosplay as their favorite Star Wars characters.
Star Wars food and drink specials will be served at Fuzio, T-Cups, and several other spots in Downtown Modesto. Modesto Pub Crawls is hosting a Free Star Wars-themed pub Crawl that will start at Che’roots at 6:30 p.m., stop by the Plaza around 7:15 p.m., swing by the Fox Pub, Fuzio, The Goat Bar, and lo-fi, and end up at the SpeakEasy around 10:30 p.m
Fans of the Mel Brooks Star Wars spoof Spaceballs can rejoice. You can watch it on the big screen at 9 pm at Brenden Theatre.
You can get in the spirit of the day by watching the original Star Wars trilogy and Solo and Rogue One at the State Theatre on April 26th and 27th. For tickets and more info thestate.org
While you are downtown, check out the murals, including Star Wars themed ones, at Never Boring on 14th Street and in the Art Alley off 10th Street.
Ensure you like the May Fourth Facebook page to stay up to speed. @maythefourthmodesto #homeofstarwars #homeofGeorgeLucas #homeofAmericanGraffiti
