Star Wars Weekends: Final Clone Wars Edition?

Star Wars Weekends kicks off this weekend at Walt Disney World. It occurred to me this might very well be the last year Clone Wars cast will play a prominent part of the event now that the show’s off the air. James Arnold Taylor is hosting, Ashley Eckstein is debuting more Her Universe goodies (head’s up…the new Padmé shirt will be available at the event in case you’re going), and several other Clone Wars stars are set to appear.

Here’s the guest list:

May 17-19:

Ray Park
Jeremy Bulloch
Dee Bradley Baker

May 24-26

Ray Park
Warwick Davis
Jim Cummings (Hondo on Clone Wars)

May 31-June 2

Warwick Davis
Tim Rose
Sam Witwer

June 7-9

Billy Dee Williams
Peter Mayhew
Tom Kane

Star Wars Prequel Appreciation Day 2013

Once again it’s upon us: Star Wars Prequel Appreciation Day on Friday, May 19!

This year, I’m doing the Facebook stuff on the SWPAS FB rather than on a separate event page; it just makes sense. Again, fans will have the opportunity to freely express their love for the prequels.

I will also plan on launching that day the SWPAS Tumblr. It’s an idea I’ve been kicking around a long time. There you can find great gifs, fan art, stills, photos, and other cool visuals.

Finally, I’m planning on another contest…details forthcoming.

Mark your calendars now!

So, What Are We Doing For May the 4th?

I don’t know about you, but I’m not doing anything except pack up stuff to move.

May 4th is also Free Comic Book Day but this year’s Star Wars freebie has nothing to do with the prequels and my shop runs out of it by early in the morning anyway. Bleah.

However, I will have some things to announce on Revenge of the Fifth, known in México as “Cinco De Mayo.” Stay tuned!

May The 4th E-Cards

starwars.com has a bunch of e-cards for May the 4th, including a bunch of PT and CW ones:

http://starwars.com/play/ecards/event_may4_naboo.html

There’s some cute artwork too.

Ripley’s May The 4th Fest

Live in the NYC metropolitan area? The Ripley’s Believe It Or Not in Times Square is putting on a party May 4th:

From 10am to 1pm, New York Jedi Masters will host 30 minute Jedi training classes showcasing light saber techniques and moves made popular in the famous film series by George Lucas. Classes are free with paid admission and each Jedi-in-training will receive a lightsaber and a Saber Academy certificate upon completion. Online class registration is available now through May 2 at http://www.ripleysnewyork.com. Space is limited; participation will be confirmed in the order that it is received. The first 15 fans to register will receive a free Ripley’s gift bag.

Throughout the Odditorium, guests will be greeted by Ripley’s staff dressed as knights and dark lords, witness live lightsaber duels by New York Jedi members, and have the opportunity to take pictures with the Jedi Masters. Under the front marquee, prospective Jedi Knights can test their Star Wars knowledge with a series of trivia questions, such as famous quotes, name that character, heroes and villains, and more. Guests who answer correctly will receive 20% off admission.

“We do a lot of unbelievable things at Ripley’s, from awe-inspiring performers to out-of-the ordinary artifacts from around the globe,” said Michael Hirsch, president and general manager of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Times Square. “On May 4th, we are making a giant leap by bringing a galaxy far, far away to Times Square.”

Fandays Adds Ray Park

As Rebelscum noted, Fandays will now feature not one, not two, but three Darths! Ray Park has been added to the con’s Star Wars guest list along with former employer Ian McDiarmid and successor (or is that predecessor?) David Prowse.

Fandays is this weekend in Dallas, TX.

Celebration Prequel Panel Video

Eric Geller posted a video of the entire Why We Love The Prequels panel from Celebration VI. Woo hoo!

Celebration VI Epilogue

Eric Geller of TFN fame posted a summary of 8/26′s “Why We Love The Prequels” panel. Hopefully, Bryan Young will post a full transcript like he did the last time. That would be cool for those of us who couldn’t be there!

Also, if you have an hour of your life to spare, you can watch the entire Clone Wars press conference at Celebration here. This was the press conference that was closed to the public. h/t knight_ander.

Celebration VI Hi-Lites 8/25

Read the rundown of the important stuff here!

Celebration VI Hi-Lites 8/24

Read ‘em all here!