Page 54 - Star Wars Insider #188

At every
to walk away and find some space. It
also helps to have a friend with you
who understands your situation so
you can duck out together and go
get a bite to eat, or take a break at
your hotel,” she says.
One of the best things about
Celebration is the unabashed fan
love and the automatic sense of
community that permeates the
convention hall, even when you’re
surrounded by thousands of people
you’ve never met before. “I’m a bit
shy when it comes to introducing
myself to others, but I have an easier
time doing so at Celebration because
everyone’s there for Star Wars,”
“Pick five must-dos and
make a plan to do them…
And if you can help it, don’t
roll into the convention
three hours after you get
off an overnight fl ight.”
Amy Ratcliffe
54 / STAR WARS INSIDER
Celebration, fans
witness breaking
Star Wars news
first-hand, and
meet new cast
members.
Ratcliffe agrees. “I remember sitting
in line at Celebration Anaheim to
see a panel about The Clone Wars
and easily talking to the family
behind me and a group in front of
me about the series. I still talk to
a couple of those people today on
social media. The bond of common
interest makes it easier to connect
with new pals.”
“Making new friends is central
to the experience,” adds Gutierrez.
“The fans are why Star Wars is what
it is today, and no matter how much
I know that going in, I always leave
surprised in some way. I’ve made
so many friends at Celebration,
and have so many memories of
incredible people. I have a bulletin
board in my office covered with
pins, patches, and little bits of these
interactions that I’ve collected
over the years. Recognizing online
friends’ faces in the crowd, sharing
that nod, and getting to meet them
in person for the fi rst time—there
are so many devoted fans with their
own unique and touching personal
Star Wars journeys, I could go on
and on.”
So have patience and focus
on making the most of every
unforgettable moment. “Spend
some time researching all the
different kinds of things that you
can do at the show,” Franklin says.
“Make time for the specialty fun
as well as the spectacular, show-
stopping events. And be sure to
pause and look around you, and
soak up all the community and fan-
created fun. There are new friends to
A packing
list for the
uninitiated:
Your finest Star Wars apparel
Time to break out your favorite,
best-loved Star Wars shirts, or
dress up in a casual cosplay.
If you’re planning on all-out
costuming, make sure to pack
some back-ups in case you
want an alternative to the
makeup and full-body armor.
Two pairs of comfortable shoes
Crisscrossing the convention
center three or four times each
day can be tough on the old
feet, so comfy shoes are a must!
Band Aids
In case of blisters, always carry
a stash of Star Wars band aids!
Warm clothes
Unlike the Florida and California
cons, Chicago can have some
very chilly days. “Chicago can
be very cold in April, so warm
clothes will be essential,”
Franklin says. “Even if spring
is taking hold, that bitter Lake
Michigan wind can whip up at
any time. It could even snow.”
External batteries or portable
cell phone chargers
For when your cell powers
down and you’re nowhere
near an outlet.
Water
In all the excitement, keeping
hydrated is easy to forget.
Chapstick
To battle the dry air of the
convention center hallways.
Snacks
Anything that can be lugged
around easily for a quick boost.
Hand sanitizer and Vitamins
Con crud is real, and it’s no fun
being sick. Pack some hand
sanitizer and share liberally
with your new friends!
meet, and long-time friends you’ll
reconnect with. A little planning,
and expecting the unexpected, can
create big returns.”
We’re looking forward to
meeting you all and making new
friends already! For the very latest
updates on everything going on
at this year’s Celebration, be sure
to bookmark StarWars.com and
starwarscelebration.com.