When "Star Wars" debuted in 1977, large crowds filled theaters.
On Saturday, the 36th anniversary of its release, large crowds gathered in Northeast Pennsylvania to celebrate the franchise and its characters with special events at the Mall at Steamtown and a theme night for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders home game at PNC Field, where Darth Vader threw the first pitch.
At the Mall at Steamtown, hundreds of families waited in line to meet Darth Vader, who stood at Center Court. Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Chewbacca posed for photos on the second floor. In the concourses, brothers and sisters fought with foam lightsabers and paused to color pictures of R2-D2.
"Star Wars Episode IV," the original film, was shown and artists painted popular characters on children's cheeks.
Dressed like Princess Leia, Addison Lau of Wilkes-Barre smiled as she met the princess and had her photo taken. Her 10-month-old brother, Levi, wore a Yoda hat.
Their father, Louis Lau, is hoping to pass on his love for the films.
"It was the coolest thing when I was a kid," he said.
For Halloween last year, Mark Krokos dressed up as Darth Vader, and his infant daughter wore a Princess Leia costume. On Saturday, the Plains Twp. residents visited "Star Wards Kidfest" and Ella, now 14 months, wore her Princess Leia hat, complete with the signature buns.
After 36 years, "Star Wars" is still a "good story, with good characters," Mr. Krokos said.
He is hoping that at some point, his daughter will agree.
"But I won't hold her to it," he said, laughing.
Later Saturday, fans enjoyed Star Wars Night at PNC Field. The three-piece barbecue set being given to attendees may have seemed outside the theme, but it didn't stop Chewbacca from helping to hand them out.
A host of Star Wars characters were on hand for pictures. When Andy Shuren of Rush Twp. asked two stormtroopers for a good pose, they suggested he get on his knees and put his hands behind his head. They fixed their weapons on him and a friend took a snapshot to remember.
Darth Vader threw out the first pitch. It was high and outside, but he had not had a chance to warm up.
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