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Star Wars Fest continues to draw large crowds
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RIO RANCHO — The Loma Colorado Main Library was bustling with action Saturday for the annual Star Wars Fest.
“The first Star Wars Fest was held in 2013 with over 400 attendees,” said Library Director Jason Shoup. “Reflecting on the success of that first event, the decision was made to make it an annual event. Each year features a unique theme along with one or two new activities. The event has grown year over year with the biggest year in 2017 — roughly 1200 attendees.”
Saturday’s event didn’t quite hit that mark with an estimated 950 attendees. However, there was still plenty of action.
The day featured hourly raffles, free themed snacks, trading card games, galactic 3-D pens, an Ewok hat station, a lightsaber workshop, Sith training camp, origami Darth Vader bookmarks, a scavenger hunt, community puzzle tables, a Bacta tank (a sensory-friendly relaxation room), a droid factory, a photo booth, food trucks and more.
Characters from the famous franchise could be found on the library grounds as well, with Storm Troopers, Darth Vader, bounty hunters and other characters greeting residents as they approached the library as well as inside. They were provided by the 501st Dewback Ridge Garrison, comprised of Star Wars cosplayers. Many attendees were also dressed in costume or donned clothing from the franchise.
In addition to the cosplayers, others involved in the day included Star Wars United Let’s Play, Magic Mirror Photo Booth, raffle basket donations from Que Lab and Duke City Games, which donated Star Wars-themed gaming materials.
“Star Wars is a popular theme, and people love to see the 501st and Rebel Legion cosplayers. But more than that, Star Wars Fest is a celebration of creativity that appeals to all ages. The crafts and overall excitement of the event routinely make it one of the Rio Rancho Public Library’s biggest events of the year,” Shoup said.
Star Wars-themed activities and characters weren’t the only sites at the library Saturday as the city of Rio Rancho also hosted its first Councilor Meet ‘n Greet session of 2025 with Jeremy Lenentine, District 2.
“These events help strengthen the relationship between the City and its residents, and we’re excited to continue that momentum this year.The success of last year’s events showed us that these gatherings are meaningful to our community and should remain part of our outreach efforts,” city communications director Jaley Turpen said ahead of the event.
The move to incorporating it into an existing city event was intentionally done to increase attendance, she said.
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“We were very pleased with the turnout,” Turpen said Tuesday. “It was a successful kickoff to this year’s Councilor Meet ‘n Greet events. We’re looking forward to continuing the momentum with the rest of the councilors’ events.”
District 4 Councilor Paul Wymer and District 6 Councilor Nicole are scheduled to host their Meet ‘n’ Greets from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 17 at the Rio Rancho Sports Complex, 3501 High Resort Blvd. SE.
District 1 Councilor Deb Dapson and District 5 Councilor Karissa Culbreath are scheduled to host their Meet ‘n’ Greets from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 28 at Cabezon Park, 2307 Cabezon Blvd. SE.
District 3 Council Bob Tyler’s meet ‘n’ greet will be announced soon, according to the city’s website.
