Celebrating 30 Years of Star Wars

Its hard to believe that it has been 30 years since I saw Star Wars at the drive in. My little brother had just been born, but my parents, die hard sci fi fans, would not miss the premiere. I was only 4, but I remember it vividly. Star Wars - now renamed Star Wars Episode IV - A new Hope was first released on May 25, 1977.

That was just the beginning of the Star Wars memories. My brother and I were always playing games as Luke and Leia. And growing up in this industry, we always had a supply of costumes and props to play with! I don't know how many countless hours I spent trying to make "Princess Leia" braids in my hair. The costumes available now are much better and more elaborate than they were back in the day.

Thirty years ago no one had a clue of the saga to come and the staying power of this story and these characters. “We’re really planning the next 30 years of Star Wars,” said Tom Warner, senior director of marketing for Lucasfilm Ltd. “Star Wars is one of the most popular and enduring entertainment franchises in the world, and there’s no better time than the 30th anniversary to look ahead to the future of that galaxy far, far away.”

Star Wars Costumes for Adults

Star Wars Costumes for Children

Star Wars Costume Accessories

Star Wars Masks

Star Wars Pet Costumes

Among Star Wars fans, it is very common to hear their recalls of the first time they saw Star Wars. The Blogger News Network reporter calls that the day that adults and children alike fell in love with a galaxy far, far away. Over the years, Star Wars fans have been delighted by the phenomenon and have celebrated its wonderful characters in many forms. From Halloween Costumes to are favorite lines, how many times have you said “Luke, I am your father”?

To commemorate the anniversary, the U.S. Postal Service has released a set of 15 Star Wars stamps. The stamps are issued as a single sheet resembling a movie poster, and feature both main characters and space ships like the Millennium Falcon — arguably a character in its own right.

The LAist web site features a Star Wars 30th Anniversary Celebration: Wrap-Up with pictures of fans dressed in some of the best and most creative Star Wars costumes I have seen.