By Dan Domsic
“Star Wars” fans have a chance to prove how strong they are with the force this Saturday at the Fishers Public Library.
For the first time ever, the library is holding its “Star Wars” Family Festival, with activities for children planned throughout the day.
Special features go into hyper-speed starting at 11 a.m. with a showing of “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.”
From 1 to 3 p.m. fans can get their faces painted, and they are encouraged to dress up as their favorite characters. A costume contest will be judged at 2 p.m.
There to make sure fans aren’t geared up to fight the Empire or Rebel Alliance on their own, members of the Bloodfin Garrison of the 501st Legion will be on hand to even the fight.
The 501st Legion is a group of “Star Wars” fans committed to the epic science fiction series, dressing up as Storm Troopers and marquee characters at conventions and other events.
They’ll be on hand from 2 to 4 p.m. At 3 p.m., “Star Wars” displays also will be judged.
Fishers resident Jamie Follis, a recent Current cover story and movie buff, is showing a film he created that shows the striking similarities between the original George Lucas film and the flicks that inspired it.
Melissa Dragoo, youth services librarian, started planning the event last year and wants it to become an annual one.
She said she hopes the event draws a large crowd this year and expands in the future.
“It’s going to be a blast this year, and every year it’ll hopefully get better,” she said.
Taking the lead as the event’s organizer, Dragoo has had the chance to work with different fans and talk about what can be added to the festival in the future.
“It’s been really exciting meeting all these people, and then working with different organizations,” Dragoo said.
For more information on programming at the Fishers Public Library, visit www.hepl.lib.in.us.