Fans of all ages came from far, far away to attend the Fairfield (CT) Public Library's fourth annual Star Wars-themed event this month. This year's celebration, called Star Wars Reads Day: A Creative Exploration, got a big boost from web librarian Merry Mao. She applied for and received a Disney-sponsored Curiosity Creates grant, administered by the Association for Library Service to Children, to help fund the event. Close to 1,000 fans showed up in Star Wars finery for the six-hour program on December 12, participating in activities ranging from Jedi lightsaber training to Yoda Yoga, Star Wars Shakespeare, and a story hour led by a Jedi.

A pair of storm troopers strike a pose. Photos courtesy of the Fairfield Public Library

 

Lightsaber instruction.

 

"If your'e happy and you know it, clap your hands...and breathe like Vader!" instructed this Jedi storytime leader.

 

A youthful Darth Vader.

 

The photo booth.

 

A cardboard Chewbacca promoted Star Wars Reads Day and provided a photo opportunity.

 

Galactical snacks.