Star Wars Fest 10 draws a big crowd

More than 1,000 people turned out for Star Wars Fest on Saturday, April 20, at Loma Colorado Main Library.

The 10th edition of the popular, free event offered attendees the chance to meet their favorite Star Wars characters courtesy of the 501st and Rebel Legions, test their skills at Light Saber Training camp, go on a Porg scavenger hunt and more.

"The Rio Rancho Public Library has always been interested in offering events that capture the popular imagination," Director of Rio Rancho Library and Information Services Jason Shoup said. "In the past, the library did events around Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Hunger Games and similar themes. However, when the library offered its first Star Wars-themed event in 2013, the community response was unprecedented. This led to it becoming an annual celebration rather than a one-off event."

Star Wars Fest is organized by the city of Rio Rancho Library and Information Services Department. The 10th event was again a wild success.

"The library staff do such an amazing job putting this event together," Shoup said.