Star Wars View
By Chris Murphy
A long time ago, in a city in California. In 1977, the film industry changed forever. In Modesto we celebrated with 2 premiers on July 1 at the Briggsmore Theatre. The sound of the Death Star exploding was really the world of film, forever changed from technology, sound, story and economics. Modestan George Lucas had made the film of his dreams, funded by a successful American Graffiti, a rite of passage movie about his hometown. On the new big screen Luke Skywalker (formerly Starkiller in early script drafts) embarks on his own rite of passage from his hometown to destroy the evil empire. Notice any parallels here?
Fellow Modestans, we are the home of George Lucas and the home of Star Wars. While growing up, he loved comic books, created a neighborhood newspaper, built backyard roller coasters and sets at Downey High. He raced cars, cruised, nearly died in a crash, studied at MJC and left his hometown planet to go to film school. We are and should be proud. I feel a sense of personal pride of being a Modestan as I walk through Star Wars Land and feel the awe that something that came from the mind of a Modestan has conquered all of Hollywood and Disney. Simply amazing. Thank you George Lucas.
Over a dozen full length films, cartoons, spin offs and a whole world of merchandising, Star Wars is known by everyone everywhere, so we look forward to the day when we can get together and celebrate on May the 4th, in downtown Modesto. Bring your light saber, dress as your fave character and come join your friends and enjoy being the Home of Star Wars.
There will be drink specials all over Modesto, and everyone is encouraged to be their favorite Star Wars person at work, play or wherever. There is an amazing new mural at Never Boring on 14th Street that you need to visit. There are other murals in the Mural Alley off of J Street.
Our celebration started on April 28 at the State Theatre with the original trilogy on the classic big screen. The Brenden Theatres will be showing the Return of the Jedi and there will be a special premier of another space blockbuster, Guardians of the Galaxy at the Brenden. Middagh Goodwin, who hosts Modesto’s GraffitiCon has been the curator for Modesto things Star Wars and pop culture and has prepared a great celebration each year. This is a free family event in 10th St Plaza from 5-9 pm and will feature Grogu, baby Yoda, various characters, the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon, and an X Wing Fighter model will be available for photos. Feel the force and come dressed to celebrate.
April 28-30th – Star Wars Trilogy – State Theatre
April 28- May 3rd – Return of the Jedi – Brenden Theatres
May 1-5 – Star Wars Treats – Mocha Magic
May 1-30 – Star Wars Cocktails – See May ModestoView Magazine. Page 6
May the 4th Celebrations
10 am Star Wars Proclamation – Juan Alanis, California State Assemby
10th St Plaza
Premier – Guardians Of the Galaxy 3:30 pm 1st showing.
6:00 pm Death Star Pinata
6:00 Horizon Point Star Wars Show
6:30 Introduction of local officials
6:30 – 7:30 Meet Grogu, baby Yoda
6:45 Reading of the May the 4th Proclamation
7:00 Parade of Characters and Cos Play
7:30 Light Saber Battle (bring your lightsaber)
Check @maythefourthmodesto for updated info
