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 bring 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. 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. ModestoView will be presenting long time George Lucas fan, KFIV DJ legend and MJC Film teacher Wes Page the May the 4th Champion Award at 6:30. May 4th, 5-9 pm in the 10th Street Plaza.
Star Wars food and drink specials will be served at Fuzio, Ralston’s Goat, 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
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The Phantom Menace will be on the big screen at an area theatre to celebrate its 25th Anniversary beginning May 3rd. Following the May Fourth Celebration, The Phantom Menace will play at the Brenden Theatre on May 4th at 9:30 and 10 p.
Fans of the Mel Brooks Star Wars spoof Space Balls can rejoice. From May 3 to 5, the State Theatre will show it again on the big screen.
The Artwalk is May 16th and will celebrate the murals of Modesto with music at Never Boring, 1016 14th Street. This location just so happens to have one of two Star Wars-themed murals in Downtown Modesto(the other is in the Mural Alley on 10th Street).
Get your tickets for this year’s Modesto Symphony Orchestra, which will perform John Williams’ music and screen Star Wars: The Last Jedi on May 31st and June 1st at Gallo Center for the Arts. These performances are not to be missed.
Ensure you like the May the Fourth Facebook page to stay up to speed. @maythefourthmodesto #homeofstarwars #homeofGeorgeLucas #homeofAmericanGraffiti
