Pictured, Sheila Ronk demonstrates creating a Star Wars string art picture.

WARSAW — “When I was 11 years old, my father took my brother and me to see a small movie that knocked my socks off,” said WCPL Cataloging Supervisor Melissa Chapman. “Star Wars was that movie.”

The film revolutionized special effects and movie making forever. While it was met with mixed reviews, Star Wars fans made it into a record-breaking franchise that continues to thrive today. 

Star Wars, an epic space opera written and directed by George Lucas, premiered in 1977 and became an almost instant cult classic. Even today, 42 years later, Star Wars remains one of the most financially successful films of all time. 

“May the 4th be with you.” (Say it out-loud, it makes sense). What started as pun warmly shared by fans has become a full-fledged Star Wars holiday. The Warsaw Community Public Library is celebrating Star Wars Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 4.

Warsaw Community Public Library has many events planned for the Star Wars celebration. There are craft programs, needle-felted Ewoks with Rachel Kruger and string art Darth Vader and Yoda with Sheila Ronk. Registering in advance is encouraged, although some walk-ins will be accepted in the needle-felting class. The felt class is $15 and the string art is free. Limited spots available for both programs. 

There are also several crafts for the younger ages, Star Wars melty bead crafts, Chewbacca puppets and Yoda origami. These crafts are free and open to everyone. 

Throughout that Saturday WCPL will also be hosting a Star Wars-themed Escape Room. Sign-ups for that are first come first serve on the day of the event — we will not be taking early registrations. This escape room is appropriate for all ages and is great for families. 

The event includes a costume contest and a Chewbacca impersonating contest, as well as Obi-wan Kenobi teaching Padawan training classes to young Jedi hopefuls – with an obstacle course as their training finale. Many prizes and drawings will be held throughout the day. There will also be a showing of some of the Star Wars Clone Wars TV show. 

Are you ready to have a day of fun? Help the Warsaw Community Public Library honor one of the best film franchises in history by having fun and May the 4th be with you.