The Auburn Public Library will host its Star Wars Imperial Gala on Thursday, May 1, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. This is a free, public event open to any Star Wars fan.
The event will include free food, fun games, Star Wars-themed crafts, a DJ, a dance floor and a costume contest with prizes.
Ashley Brown, the library's Engagement and Outreach Librarian, encourages anyone — from families to college students to Ewoks — to attend this event.
“If [anyone] enjoys fun games and community events, I think [they] would super enjoy [the gala],” Brown said.
Games like bowling and cornhole will be available to play, as well as a “Storm Trooper Blaster Gallery” where one can target others with Nerf guns.
Jedi and Sith alike can enjoy feasting on “Wookie Cookies” and “Jedi Juice,” with opportunities to craft a Baby Yoda hand puppet and create one’s own light saber.
The Mandalorian will also make an appearance to meet any intergalactic travelers at the event.
Dressing up is highly encouraged, as there will be a costume contest to show off the finest garments across the galaxy, determined by a community panel of judges.
“We’re really depending on the community to bring all of the other characters out for us,” Brown said.
There will be four categories to the contest: 0-5 year olds, 6-11 year olds, 12 and up — which includes college kids — and a no age limit group costume category. All category winners will win a Star Wars-themed prize.
Sign-ups for the contest will be available at the event, with the contest starting around 6 p.m. Spectators are encouraged as well.
The Imperial Gala takes place all throughout the library, with fun to be had at every corner. When Hannah Dyal, a junior in chemical engineering, heard about this event, she was sold.
“Well, free food sounds nice. The costume contest sounds really fun [because] it’s an opportunity to dress up with friends. [It] would [also] be very cool to interact with Star Wars nerds, that would be fun,” Dyal said.
Andrew Adams, a public services library assistant at the Auburn Public Library, agrees that this event is perfect for any Star Wars fan.
“[This event pushes] fellowship with folks that are like-minded and fans of the Star Wars series,” Adams said.
Whether one is traveling from Tatooine, Coruscant, Dagobah or any other planets, the Imperial Gala is the perfect stop for curious travelers.
“You never know what could happen. It is Star Wars, so there could be a surprise or two,” Brown said.
Free parking is available at the library, located at 749 E Thach Ave.
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Sam Bainter, freshman in English language arts education, is a culture writer for The Auburn Plainsman.
