Hello friends! Been a little bit since my last post. Today I want to share with you something that is close to my heart: costuming! Specifically, the Star Wars costume clubs and the charity work that we do.
On Sunday, March 16th, I marched with 56 other costumers in the Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade, under the banner of the Connecticut Star Wars Costume Clubs. Ready to march down Main Street? Let’s suit up!
Background Information
I have been a Star Wars fan since 2006, thanks to my father. I knew about the Star Wars Costume Clubs from a distance, but did not join a club until 2021, when I joined Kamino Base. Kamino Base is the Connecticut Chapter of the Rebel Legion.
Different clubs are for different costumes. The 501st Legion, for example, accepts Stormtroopers, Imperial Officers, Sith Lords… “bad guy” costumes. The Rebel Legion accepts Jedi, Clone Troopers, Galactic Senators… “good guy” costumes.
My original costume was a Jedi Knight, but in 2023, I completed my Han Solo costume, which I wear most often. Han Solo is my favorite character in Star Wars, and I love bringing him to life.
Parade Day!
Sunday the 16th was an early morning for me. I packed my costume the night before and was in my car by 8:30. When I arrived at the parking garage, I quickly saw that plenty of my fellow volunteers had already arrived, including Joe. Joe is our current 501st Garrison Leader, as of this writing.
Other volunteers on site included Seth, Brenda, Bill, Tom, John, Kim, Sam, and Kyle. I was happy to see Legion members from neighboring garrisons, such as Jacobella (from New York), plus Carla, Merissa, and Sam (all from New Jersey). This parade is a big day for us, and it was great to have so many volunteers.
Suiting Up
At about one hour prior to the first shuttle bus departure, all of us wearing costumes started getting into our kits. I put on my Han Solo costume, which would have been impossible without a plastic bag to cover my prosthetic right foot (to help get the riding boots on). Fellow volunteer Bill had one in his car and saved my forgetful backside.
The best part about these events is seeing everyone in costume. Brenda put on her Boba Fett armor, Joe and Merissa were Jawas, Carla was Princess Leia, Mike was Darth Vader, Jacobella was Padme, and Bill was Anakin Skywalker. Those are just some of the costumes being worn!
With everyone suited up, snacks eaten, bowels emptied (no joke), and the support vehicle on the move, it was time to get all of us to the parade start.
Standing By
The school bus ride to the parade start was uneventful, even though it took two busses to get all of us on site. From the drop off point it was a short walk to our starting location.
Joe gave a brief speech, informing us that we would wait in place until step off. That meant lots of time for standing around, shooting the breeze, taking photos, and visiting other units for giggles.
My coworker LB from the North Pole Express passed by with her unit, so I said hello. Near us in the lineup were the Knights of Gore, an armored combat group I remembered from my Renaissance Faire days.
I took some great pictures of Jacobella and Bill as every prequel fan’s favorite couple, Anakin and Padme. They came out great! We also took group photos with everyone, good guys, bad guys, and one with the two Star Wars couples represented: Han and Leia, and Padme and Anakin.
Stepping Off
After about two and a half hours of waiting, it was our turn to march. We passed ahead of a few other units, including the 99.1 WPLR float, who were directly behind us. I waved to the popular radio hosts Chaz and AJ as we got in position.
For our marching order, we had our banner in front, followed immediately by Darth Vader, the Emperor, and Kylo Ren. Behind them were the armored “bad guy” characters, including Boba and Din Djarin. Handlers flanked them on both sides.
Up next were the unarmored “bad guys,” such as Sith and Imperial Officers. After them was all the “good guys,” led by Carla and I as Han and Leia. The armored Mandalorians took up the rear.
Between the good guys and the Mandalorians was Ricardo (as a Mandalorian) in a speeder with Grogu (aka Baby Yoda). He was zipping back and forth all over the road!
Marching Down the Road
When we stepped off down the road, the reaction to our unit was immediate and joyful. Folks were waving at us, cheering, and calling out our character names. I heard cries of “Princess Leia!” “Han Solo!” “Baby Yoda!” and even “No fascists!” Did he mean the Imperials?
The crowd was in high spirits, and the atmosphere of excitement grew as we neared the New Haven Green. Bubbles were flying through the air, green shirts were everywhere, and the restaurants along the way were packed. I think at least one drunk woman attempted to hit on me.
We passed by the review stand, near the parade finish at the Green. We looked our best passing by the judges, and I gave the “Solo salute” (as I call it) to the Grand Marshall. Shortly after that, we finished the parade.
Breaking Down
After we finished marching, we still had to walk back to the parking garage. I realized by then just how sore I was. My hip hurt, my left leg was sore, and so was my left foot. My prosthetic right leg, on the other hand, was fine. Weird, huh?
After muscling my way back to the garage with my fellow marchers, I kitted down and got back into civies. Will all did, even Jacobella, who had arrived mostly in costume. With our costumes and props stowed, it was time for the afterparty.
Some goodbyes had to be said. I bid goodbye to Bill, who had to go prepare himself for the rest of tax season, the poor guy. Accounting sucks during tax season. Despite feeling sore, I was up for some pizza and drinks.
Afterparty
Those of us attending the afterparty at J Roo’s in North Haven took the short drive from New Haven. I was among the first to show up. I sat down with John and we talked about the event and what else we were up to.
People started showing up soon after that. Before long, the room was full of nerds eating pizza, drinking beer, and shooting the breeze. One table turned into a trading table, where members exchanged Legion merch, such as patches and challenge coins.
After a while, we all grew tired. Some of us had long drives, while others had other commitments. One by one, I bid goodbye to fellow volunteers with hugs and handshakes and well-wishes. I was sure to hug Jacobella and tell her that I hoped to portray Han with her as Princess Leia sometime.
I was among the last to leave. As we left the restaurant, Joe remarked, “What a satisfying troop!” I could not have agreed more.
As always, thanks for reading!
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