Star Wars Weekends

It has been said here many times that Star Wars Weekends is hot, MUSTAFAR HOT. Still one of the things I've come to love most about being there is how the fans come out in their own costumes to support and be a part of the event. Costuming doesn't really get you any extra privileges beyond anyone else, but it doesn't hurt when you are being selected for an event or for that special picture with the other characters either. Over the years I've seen some wild costumes. Of course you can't begin this without tipping the hat to the 501st and the job they do replicating Imperial Costumes. They are truly the best and their pictures are easy to find all over the web. Youtube is a good way to see some of the costumes shown off in the Parade.

Last year with Ray Park visiting I was pleased to see the smallest Darth Maul in the world walking around the park. I can't imagine the work that went in to making that little boy up and getting the costume right, but the child couldn't have been happier and he was getting a lot of attention from the other guests and CM's. There have been small Clone Commanders walking around, red marked Clones, Blue marked, Yellow, they have almost all been represented. My only advise on this matter is to make sure that you hydrate those Clones well and once the afternoon heat arrives, you may very well want to have a change of clothes handy, because I have also seen some very HOT Clone Commanders. Still none of them would trade this opportunity for the world.

A few years ago I met a wonderful woman in a wheel chair dressed meticulously in Jedi Robes, complete with an intricate belts with light saber hilt attached. She was a member of a Rebel Costuming group and we talked for a short while about the parades and events she had attended over the past few years. Sitting in lines will grant you the opportunity to meet some fantastic people, and it was great to listen to her about the different robes she had made over the years, how different materials made being in the heat more bearable and some of the people she had the opportunity to meet as a result of being a part of this group. Truth be told I was getting quite envious of her participation and wished that I lived closer to a 501st Garrison or one of these Alliance groups. Not so much because of Parades and such, but I do like to charity work they do, and the excitement they bring to the children. Very cool and I'm glad to have met her because of SWW.

I've seen little Darth Vaders.... (Parents, black armor in MUSTAFAR HEAT may leave your little Vader charred, not recommended) Princess Leias from children right through adult (not in the Slave Leia Costume, of which I am a supporter, but may not be right for the family atmosphere at Disney). Little Bounty Hunters have been spotted, no doubted looking for the smallest and cutest little Han Solo you've ever seen. That costume took a LOT of time and looked great right down to the blaster. You wouldn't believe the number of Jedi from the younglings to the retired, running around. There are so many different ways that Jedi Robes can be made, colors, and fabrics that each truly become their own Jedi.

My daughter (9) has chosen to dress up each of the past few years as Padme. She as gone in the Battle Arena outfit from Episode II, and a blue evening gown outfit from Episode III last year, which worked out to be very cool on her in the heat and looked great. This year she has opted for the outfit Padme wears to Mustafar in Episode III, only without the whole pregnancy bump. She is super excited once again, and it should make for some great photos with Anakin and the Jedi.

There have been a number of other little Queen Amidala's, some Mara Jades, a Grand Admiral Thrawn (I'm losing many of you now... hang in there) and several other characters from the Expanded Universe Books. Many of these people have put in hours putting these costumes together and are very proud of them. If you end up in line with someone who has costumed for the event, don't be shy; ask him or her about it. You might be surprised what you learn. If you have a chance to dress up and think you can handle the heat, I say go for it. I've been tempted, but I think I'm holding out for the slimmest chance that they could someday move the event to.... hmmm, FEBRUARY. That would work for me!

By the way, I'm a supporter of the idea that they should have a costume pageant/contest, without any big prizes, but maybe with comedic commentary from the event Hosts. It wouldn't be costly and could be a lot of fun, but hey, that's just my opinion.