May the Fourth Be With You
By Middagh Goodwin
On May 4th, Star Wars is on everyone’s mind worldwide. It’s an extra special day here in Modesto, USA—home of creator George Lucas. The original Star Wars movie was released on May 25, 1977, forever changing the modern film landscape. From its opening theme and rolling text crawl, the movie gave the world a new lexicon of interstellar travel, starships, and even speed measurements. In what seemed like just a few parsecs, this film propelled Modesto native George Lucas into the hyperspace of film fame. We’ve celebrated May the Fourth since 2016, when the Modesto City Council became the first to make an official proclamation declaring it Star Wars Day. Yes, friends, this is our day, and we’re bringing the action to 10th Street Plaza. Join the Northern California Star Wars community for this free, family-friendly celebration in Downtown Modesto.
Sunday May 4th, 4-9 pm in the 10th Street Plaza
4:30 pm Reading of the Proclamation and Introduction with Chris Murphy and Assemblyman Obi Juan Alanis.
5:00 pm High School Band led by Brad Hart (Johansen High School & MoBand conductor), performing selections from the films.
6:00 pm Death Star Pinata
6:30 pm Get your pictures with Din Grogu aka Baby Yoda
8:30 pm Light Saber Battle in the Plaza
Horizon Point will perform their full Jedi show in the Plaza, complete with musical interludes from the movies, throughout the event. (Times Subject to Change)
Look forward to vendors, artists, face painters, and two special 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. Don’t miss the lightsaber battles at sunset! 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. –
Fans of the Mel Brooks Star Wars spoof “Spaceballs” can rejoice—you can watch it on the big screen at 9 p.m. at Brenden Theatre.
While downtown, check out the Star Wars-themed murals at Never Boring on 14th Street and in the Art Alley off 10th Street.
Follow the May Fourth Facebook page to stay up to speed. @maythefourthmodesto #homeofstarwars #homeofGeorgeLucas #homeofAmericanGraffiti
May the Fourth Be With You
By Middagh Goodwin
On May 4th, Star Wars is on everyone’s mind worldwide. It’s an extra special day here in Modesto, USA—home of creator George Lucas. The original Star Wars movie was released on May 25, 1977, forever changing the modern film landscape. From its opening theme and rolling text crawl, the movie gave the world a new lexicon of interstellar travel, starships, and even speed measurements. In what seemed like just a few parsecs, this film propelled Modesto native George Lucas into the hyperspace of film fame. We’ve celebrated May the Fourth since 2016, when the Modesto City Council became the first to make an official proclamation declaring it Star Wars Day. Yes, friends, this is our day, and we’re bringing the action to 10th Street Plaza. Join the Northern California Star Wars community for this free, family-friendly celebration in Downtown Modesto.
Sunday May 4th, 4-9 pm in the 10th Street Plaza
4:30 pm Reading of the Proclamation and Introduction with Chris Murphy and Assemblyman Obi Juan Alanis.
5:00 pm High School Band led by Brad Hart (Johansen High School & MoBand conductor), performing selections from the films.
6:00 pm Death Star Pinata
6:30 pm Get your pictures with Din Grogu aka Baby Yoda
8:30 pm Light Saber Battle in the Plaza
Horizon Point will perform their full Jedi show in the Plaza, complete with musical interludes from the movies, throughout the event. (Times Subject to Change)
Look forward to vendors, artists, face painters, and two special guests: David Gonzales, who portrayed Ak-Rev in the 1997 special edition of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.
Don’t miss the lightsaber battles at sunset! 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.
Fans of the Mel Brooks Star Wars spoof “Spaceballs” can rejoice—you can watch it on the big screen at 9 p.m. at Brenden Theatre.
While downtown, check out the Star Wars-themed murals at Never Boring on 14th Street and in the Art Alley off 10th Street.
Follow the May Fourth Facebook page to stay up to speed. @maythefourthmodesto #homeofstarwars #homeofGeorgeLucas #homeofAmericanGraffiti
