By Mark Gregory
Editorial Director
@Hear_The_Beard
mark@buglenewspapers.com
While May 4 may be considered Star Wars Day nationally, in Joliet the day gets what is sure to be a warmer reception.
This year, June 1 is the day for the Joliet Public Library’s award-winning 10th Annual Star Wars Day.
The family-friendly festival has more than 200 costumed Star Wars characters, games, live music, a vow renewal, movie prop exhibits, and more.
“Our Star Wars planning committee is made up of extremely creative and talented people from the library and our partners,” said JPL’s communications coordinator Mallory Hewlett. “Jody McQuarters, a member of the 501st Legion, has been with us since the beginning. The vow renewal was his idea, and our committee ran with it. People seem excited about the idea, and it is something you don’t want to miss.”
A ticket is required fro the special ceremony for those who want to renew their marriage vows under the watchful eye of the Empire.
Tickets are free and can be picked up at the Rialto Square Theatre Lobby beginning at 8:30 am on June 1.
A limited number of tickets are available and the ceremony will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. and is for entertainment purposes only —no legal or spiritual implications apply.
“We always try to mix things up a little, but at the same time keep the fan favorites each year,” Hewlett said. “Our trash compactor game inside the library is a favorite for the kids. The parade is a huge draw, and we have costumed characters coming from near and far. Since this is the 10th Anniversary, we really wanted something to make people say ‘wow’ and that is where the vow renewal came in.”
Other activities will kick off at 11 am with a parade of costumed characters and Star Wars themed vehicles.
The parade will start at the Joliet Area Historical Museum on Ottawa Street, go east on Cass Street, south on Chicago Street and west on Clinton Street. The route does not go in front of the Rialto.
The Rialto will welcome exhibitors such as Darkside Galactibiles, the Mandalorian Mercs, R2-Builders Droid Club, A. Tom Rehn, and Civilized Galactic Gear. They will also feature fan favorite Jedi Training Academy on the Main Stage.
The main stage on Clinton Street near the food tent will host bands and an all-ages costume contest at 1:15 p.m.
Several authors and artists will be returning to this year, including John Jackson Miller and Keith Ryan Kappel. Artist Alley on the second floor of the library will feature Dave Dorman, Steve Palenica, Mikey Babinski, James Tampa and Jamie Snell.
Kids games will be set up on Clinton Street and the Trash Compactor game on the first floor of the Library and the Scavenger Hunt at the Museum.
The event will shut down Chicago Street from Cass to Van Buren. Be sure to get there early to get a spot in one of the parking garages or at the Joliet Area Historical Museum
“We are so grateful for the community partnerships that we have formed over the years. Star Wars Day first began 10 years ago as a celebration of literacy and a way to get people into our building and excited about summer reading,” Hewlett said. “Today, we partner with several local organizations, work with the City of Joliet, and have the Joliet Area Historical Museum and Rialto host with us. We also have support from community sponsors. It has turned into a huge event for downtown Joliet, and we can thank our community and partnerships for that.”
The Joliet Public Library received the 2018 ALA Excellence in Library Programming Award for Star Wars Day. This award recognizes a library that demonstrates excellence by providing programs that have community impact and respond to community needs.
“Our Library staff is amazing and all of us work together to make Star Wars Day happen. The event attracts nearly 10,000 people each year and allows us to open our doors to people who may have never set foot in our library before or been into the Museum or Rialto,” Hewlett said. “We welcome familiar faces back each year, and people also come in to visit from different cities and states. We are happy to welcome them to Joliet to celebrate literacy, learning and Star Wars.”
For a full list of activities at the library and these locations, pick up a Star Wars Day Jedi Passport at the event or visit jolietlibrary.org/starwarsday.
Event passports will be located at the library, Museum and Rialto entrances and information booths.