Entertainment Earth
[TF.N Main] [Contact Us]
[Latest News - Main]
[More...]
[TFN FanFilms Now On YouTube.com]
[Popular Stories]
CEII: Jabba's Palace Reunion - Massive Guest Announcements

Star Wars Night With The Tampa Bay Storm Reminder

Stephen Hayford Star Wars Weekends Exclusive Art

ForceCast #251: To Spoil or Not to Spoil

New Timothy Zahn Audio Books Coming

Star Wars Celebration VII In Orlando?

May The FETT Be With You

Mimoco: New Mimobot Coming May 4th

[Jedi Council Forums]
Who Doesn't Hate Jar Jar anymore?

Fans who grew up with the OT-Do any of you actually prefer the PT?

Should darth maul have died?

What plotline, character or scene in the entire Saga irritates you the most?

The misconceptions you had about Star Wars, when you were a kid
[Poll]
There are no polls
currently operating
in this sector.
Please check
back soon.

View Poll Archives


Entertainment Earth
Star Wars Celebration 10 Yr. Anniversary

Posted By Dustin on May 3, 2009


Its been ten years since fans from around the world gathered in Denver, Colorado for Star Wars Celebration. I had no idea what to expect or who I would meet; but I borrowed $250 for airfare from my mother and made sleeping arrangements with some friends. I was going to this event no matter what! With Star Wars Episode One : The Phantom Menace just weeks away from release, rumors were swirling that fans in attendance would get a sneak peek, and I planned to see it! Well there was no special screening, however, there was plenty of rain, mud, and long lines. I wasn't about to let that get me down, I was there to celebrate Star Wars with my friends; and despite my limited budget, the experience was worth more than gold.

I arrived Thursday and met up with Mark M. with whom I worked on Yakface.com with. I was crashing on his floor and we couldn't wait for the show to open Friday, so we went exploring to see what we could find. After getting lost several times, we eventually found the event location. Star Wars Celebration was held at the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum in Denver, Colorado. We could see numerous tents set up outside and Pepsi products being promoted everywhere. Giant inflatable Pepsi cans, and pallet after pallet, loaded with cases of Pepsi products.

Back at the hotel, social hour was gearing up as fans from all over gathered in common areas and in each others' rooms to talk about the show. I recall sitting in the lobby with Mark and customs guru Gary Weaver, watching Gary create a vintage styled bounty hunter 6 pack, complete with cellophane window; it was amazing. After a bit, a crowd had gathered and a vendor had returned from set up with an official event guide. We all went nuts looking it over to see what was planned for the weekend ahead.



Friday arrives and we head over early for a badge pick up. We bump into Gary again and he's somehow managed to get a VIP badge because he's supposed to be on a panel. A customs panel. It was all good though when we managed to get a vendor pass upgrade off of Fan Club President Dan Madsen. All badged up we were ready to see whatever surprises awaited us inside the main hanger.



Inside the main hanger there were official military planes on static display, and mixed in between it all was a convention that would revolutionize, recharge and reinvent the Star Wars community for the next decade. The main floor had displays from most every licensee that was on board for Episode I and there were a ton if you recall. Hasbro had a non-stop line moving fans through their booth showcasing most of the Episode I line toys. Everyone finally got a chance to check out the new toys up close rather than in a magazine or on a website. Every licensee seemed to follow suit, showcasing all of their products that would be coming out. From blow up pool floats, to kids bikes, to Star Wars bedding, the place was oozing Darth Maul and Jar-Jar everywhere you turned.



Star Wars Celebration was my first major convention experience, it was like being a kid in a candy store, a Star Wars candy store! Inside the hanger was a huge X-Wing on display, making it a must stop photo op for fans. I thought it was awesome to see many fans dressed up as their favorite characters, some with such attention to detail. I saw my first Slave Leia at Celebration I, and couldn't believe she had worn that to the show! Lines were everywhere for pretty much everything. However the dealers tent only had about 2 inches of water in it that was intertwined with electrical cords. I was praying I didn't get zapped. I do recall finding a few good deals at the time though on some POTF2 figures!



I didn't have enough time to go to each panel, but the ones I did left impressions. Producer Rick McCullum didn't seem to care kids were in the audience and would go on profanity laced tirades ever so often. He was and is pretty entertaining to listen to. Anthony Daniels was a riot to watch work the crowd. He made sure every seat in the house was full. Having Ray Park perform on stage was absolutely amazing. Dude, Darth Maul!

Sunday came too quick for me. My fun was soon over as my flight back to reality-ville left that morning. I had just enough time to attend for a short period on Sunday and say all of my goodbyes. I had met a lot of people that weekend and made friends that I still have to this day. I think that's probably the most important thing to me, the friendships forged by Celebration I. It still amazes me that there is this microcosm of a socially networked fans who have created their own family in a sense. All because of their mutual love of Star Wars, and I'm glad to be a part of it.

I created an online gallery of photos from my Star Wars Celebration trip right here. See you back here in ten more years for the 20th!


UPDATE: Jim C. wrote in to let fans know of his blog where he's also posted some photos and memories from his own experience, you can check it out here. Also, Starwars.com have a few articles up on their site as well, most of which are linked in our related stories bin below this article. Be sure to check them out!


Related Stories

May 16, 2009   Top 10 Memories Of Anticipating TPM
May 1, 2009   Remembering Celebration I
April 30, 2009   Celebration I Soundbites: McCaig & Biggar II
April 29, 2009   Star Wars Celebration I: Jar Jar Jam
April 28, 2009   Celebration I Soundbites: Nick Dudman 2
April 28, 2009   A Look Back At SW Celebration I
April 28, 2009   Celebration I Soundbites: Episode I





[Latest News - News Archives]
Rebelscum Breast Cancer Awareness Charity Patch
Posted By Philip on November 25, 2014:
Thanks to everybody that ordered patches. I sent a check for $1,600.00 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation on Monday. While it's not as much as I hoped for, it's still very much appreciated. They will remain for sale in the store for anybody that still wishes to purchase them. Details after the jump.



BBC Interviews J.J. Abrams About Trek And Wars
Posted By Eric on May 3, 2013:
Episode VII gig "once in a lifetime opportunity"

CEII: Jabba's Palace Reunion - Massive Guest Announcements
Posted By Chris on May 3, 2013:
10 new guests announced!

Fathead's May the Fourth Be With You!
Posted By Philip on May 3, 2013:
30% off Star Wars Fatheads

Star Wars Night With The Tampa Bay Storm Reminder
Posted By Chris on May 3, 2013:
Saturday, May 4th at 9:00pm!

Stephen Hayford Star Wars Weekends Exclusive Art
Posted By Chris on May 3, 2013:
Hunt down all four prints!

ForceCast #251: To Spoil or Not to Spoil
Posted By Eric on May 3, 2013:
Erik and Eric discuss a central issue of our time

New Timothy Zahn Audio Books Coming
Posted By Chris on May 3, 2013:
Allegiance, Specter of the Past, Vision of the Future!

SDCC: Exclusive Black Series Boba Fett With Han In Carbonite Set
Posted By Chris on May 3, 2013:
USA Today reveals Hasbro's offering

Star Wars Art Exposition May 4th
Posted By Philip on May 3, 2013:
It's Happening In Houston

Star Wars Celebration VII In Orlando?
Posted By Chris on May 3, 2013:
Story updated inside

The Force Within Us Celebrates May The 4th Be With You!
Posted By Jay on May 3, 2013:
Amazing freebies!

The Clone Wars Takes Home Voice Acting Trophies
Posted By Eric on May 2, 2013:
Series wins People's Choice for Best TV Vocal Ensemble

Star Wars Origami Free May 4th Download
Posted By Dustin on May 2, 2013:
Workman Publishing Posts Fun Freebie

May The FETT Be With You
Posted By Dustin on May 2, 2013:
The Dented Helmet / MIMOBOT giveaway!

Mimoco: New Mimobot Coming May 4th
Posted By Chris on May 2, 2013:
Who will it be?

WeLoveFine Loves May The 4th
Posted By Dustin on May 2, 2013:
Contest winners and t-shirt sales all weekend!

May The Fourth Grant You Savings On A Great Book!
Posted By Dustin on May 2, 2013:
Gus and Duncan's Comprehensive Guide to Star Wars Collectibles

Star Wars Island In Geoffrey's Jungle
Posted By Dustin on May 2, 2013:
Toys "R" Us Celebrates May the 4th

Catalog Details For New Essential Characters Guide
Posted By Eric on May 2, 2013:
Synopsis, quick facts, and rough release date

Synopsis Posted For Star Wars: Kenobi
Posted By Eric on May 2, 2013:
"The Republic has fallen. Sith Lords rule the galaxy."

[TF.N Newsletter]
Enter Email Address:
Find Out More...
[All Posters]
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Double-Sided)
AllPosters.com
Search For Posters, Cardboard Stand-Ups & T-Shirts!
[Rebelscum.com - Star Wars Collecting]
[TheForce.Net - FanFilms]
[TheForce.Net - FanForce] [TheForce.Net - Fan Art]
[More News...]
TheForce.Net - Your Daily Dose of Star Wars Entertainment Earth
THEFORCE.NET IS NOT ENDORSED BY LUCASFILM, LTD. PLEASE READ OUR DISCLAIMER. © 2024 COPYRIGHT TF.N, LLC
The Galaxy is Listening
Entertainment Earth
[TF.N Main] [TF.N FAQ] [Contact Us]