The Star Wars Rose parade...

*Raph's Girl* · 12-29-2006, 05:08 PM

Got this in my email:

Star Wars is making its first appearance in the 2007
Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year's Day in
Pasadena, Calif., and Grand Marshal George Lucas is
using the opportunity to give something back to his
most obsessive fans, Variety reported. This year's
parade will feature a "Star Wars Spectacular, "
including a pair of floats inspired by the films and a
200-member marching unit from the 501st Legion, a
3,500-strong group of fans in authentic replica
costumes.

When Lucas had the idea for a Star Wars float in the
Rose Parade, an open audition call went out to 501st
members. Lucasfilm received 700 videos from costumed
fans who filmed themselves marching. These were
narrowed down to 200 participants, and Lucasfilm is
flying those members in from across the nation and
around the world, with 22 countries and 36 states
represented, the trade paper reported. About 80
percent will be dressed in the parade as the
traditional iconic stormtroopers, with the rest
appearing in related costumes such as snowtroopers,
sandtroopers and biker scouts.

The 176-member Grambling State University marching
band will from Louisiana will accompany the 501st with
music from the films, including the "Main Title,"
"Imperial March" and "The Throne Room" themes. Eight
dancers and eight flag girls from Grambling State will
also be dressed as Twi'leks—exotic alien dancers from
the Star Wars films.

The Star Wars floats will depict the forest moon of
Endor from Return of the Jedi—complete with Ewoks
swinging between trees—and the planet of Naboo from
the prequel trilogy, featuring royal queens,
handmaidens, Jedi protectors and even working
waterfalls. They were designed to represent the theme
of this year's parade, "Our Good Nature." The tribute
appropriately marks the 30th anniversary of Star Wars,
which occurs in 2007.

Raph's Girl note: They should just rename it the Star Wars 30th annaversary parade

MadPirateBunny · 12-29-2006, 06:44 PM

Oh goodness. I remember watching that avidly as a kid. It's not too high on my things to do on New Years day as an asult but for StarWars? Yeah, count me in!

*Roseangelo* · 12-31-2006, 05:01 PM

I'm semi-involved with the groups that are participating in the parade to make the Star Wars Spectacular actually happen (not so involved in recent years simply due to my location not being near any of the event hubs).

If you're interested in some of the behind-the-scenes stuff of the Troopers getting ready for tomorrow, one of them has posted a bunch of pics on Flikr, here.

And here is her blog of the event.

It should be really awesome!!

MadPirateBunny · 01-02-2007, 11:44 PM

Ohmigosh. I totally flaked. Was up until like 5 in the morn playing NWN2. Woke up late and didn't realize until after it was over that I missed it. DOH! But I heard it was great and the pics look awesome.

I just found this!

YAY!

12-29-2006, 05:08 PM	#1
Raph's Girl Dierna Soul, Reporter Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Jakku Posts: 10,831	The Star Wars Rose parade... Got this in my email: Star Wars is making its first appearance in the 2007 Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year's Day in Pasadena, Calif., and Grand Marshal George Lucas is using the opportunity to give something back to his most obsessive fans, Variety reported. This year's parade will feature a "Star Wars Spectacular, " including a pair of floats inspired by the films and a 200-member marching unit from the 501st Legion, a 3,500-strong group of fans in authentic replica costumes. When Lucas had the idea for a Star Wars float in the Rose Parade, an open audition call went out to 501st members. Lucasfilm received 700 videos from costumed fans who filmed themselves marching. These were narrowed down to 200 participants, and Lucasfilm is flying those members in from across the nation and around the world, with 22 countries and 36 states represented, the trade paper reported. About 80 percent will be dressed in the parade as the traditional iconic stormtroopers, with the rest appearing in related costumes such as snowtroopers, sandtroopers and biker scouts. The 176-member Grambling State University marching band will from Louisiana will accompany the 501st with music from the films, including the "Main Title," "Imperial March" and "The Throne Room" themes. Eight dancers and eight flag girls from Grambling State will also be dressed as Twi'leks—exotic alien dancers from the Star Wars films. The Star Wars floats will depict the forest moon of Endor from Return of the Jedi—complete with Ewoks swinging between trees—and the planet of Naboo from the prequel trilogy, featuring royal queens, handmaidens, Jedi protectors and even working waterfalls. They were designed to represent the theme of this year's parade, "Our Good Nature." The tribute appropriately marks the 30th anniversary of Star Wars, which occurs in 2007. Raph's Girl note: They should just rename it the Star Wars 30th annaversary parade __________________

12-29-2006, 06:44 PM	#2
MadPirateBunny Mad Scientist Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: in the basement Posts: 1,067	Oh goodness. I remember watching that avidly as a kid. It's not too high on my things to do on New Years day as an asult but for StarWars? Yeah, count me in! __________________ Note to self: Pillage first. THEN Burn.

12-31-2006, 05:01 PM	#3
Roseangelo Emperor Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: California Posts: 9,119	I'm semi-involved with the groups that are participating in the parade to make the Star Wars Spectacular actually happen (not so involved in recent years simply due to my location not being near any of the event hubs). If you're interested in some of the behind-the-scenes stuff of the Troopers getting ready for tomorrow, one of them has posted a bunch of pics on Flikr, here. And here is her blog of the event. It should be really awesome!! __________________ www.ninjapizza.net www.colorsbyrosemary.com

01-02-2007, 11:44 PM	#4
MadPirateBunny Mad Scientist Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: in the basement Posts: 1,067	Ohmigosh. I totally flaked. Was up until like 5 in the morn playing NWN2. Woke up late and didn't realize until after it was over that I missed it. DOH! But I heard it was great and the pics look awesome. I just found this! YAY! __________________ Note to self: Pillage first. THEN Burn.