May the 4th

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. . .

I can’t recall a time in my life when I didn’t know those words. The first of the original trilogy premiered before I was born. The second two debuted after I had as well. Being raised in a family full of fans meant I always knew those movies. I knew the sense of wonder they invoked and the hope.

Nearly forty years later and their magic has not been lost. The effect Star Wars can still be seen all over. Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim was just under a month ago and another is set to happen in London in July. Disney is preparing to release episodes VII, VIII IX. There have been cartoons, games, and quizzes galore.

You don’t have to go far to join in the fun though. As recently as one week ago, Star Wars faithful (and the casual observers) gathered in Salt Lake at the Urban Arts Gallery at the Gateway. I had the chance to attend.

For all I love Star Wars, have seen all the movies (except for the last updated version of the original trilogy), and have many of the books, I have never been to a Star Wars event. Work, life, whatever, something always seemed to be in the way of attending. This year, however, I got a personal invitation to come.

For Star Wars Day I was at the Urban Arts Gallery at the Gateway in Salt Lake. It was amazing. Getting the chance to so many come together to celebrate. There were costumes and there were not. In the gallery was Comic Con, the Super Villains Network, and of course the fans. There was also a lone Spock crashing the party.

I mentioned this took place at an art gallery. For that day and until June 16th, a special display of local arts and their Star Wars art. If you have a moment, I would suggest stopping by and checking out the art. A pictures worth a thousand words and there you can find a gallery of people expressing how much that galaxy means to them.

I haven’t had the chance to go to such an event before, but I loved the experience. #Maythe4th be with you.