"It was Lucasfilm who first contacted us," recalls Madsen. "About a year and a half ago, they decided they wanted to hold a big event to thank the fans for their continuous support over many, many years. They imagined a sort of 'fan fest' where fans from around the world could get together, share their common interest, and enjoy themselves in a Star Wars environment. Then the inevitable question came up: who would oversee the organization of such an event? The logical choice was the Fan Club."
Although the idea for a fan convention saw the light of day in fall of 1997, the work required to make this daring vision a reality didn't begin until spring of 1998. However, once the roller-coaster ride of preparation was hurled onto the rails, it never slowed down. "Right at the outset, we wanted this gathering to be an event by fans, for fans," says Madsen. "Our objective was to commemorate the history of Star Wars and celebrate its future, at the dawn of the release of Episode I. So we worked hard to make it the event we wanted to see as fans." Collaborating closely with Lucasfilm and several licensees and promotional partners, Madsen and his team labored over several months, building the Celebration brick by brick. A location had to be found, guests appearances needed to be settled, authorization had to be obtained to display original Star Wars props, food areas and rest areas required careful planning, and so on. With a crowd as large as the one that is expected to show up this weekend - more than 13,000 people a day - nothing could be left to chance.
As one of the main architects of a leviathan just about to be filled to capacity with excited fans, what is Madsen's biggest fear? "One word: weather," he says. "Although a lot of the activities take place indoors, we have several areas that have been set up outside, such as an arena for Star Wars trivia contests, and a location where a full-size Naboo starfighter will be built with Lego bricks over the weekend. For this reason, obviously, I want the weather to be on our side. Hopefully there is a Star Wars fan upstairs, and the Force will be with us," he adds with a smile.
As both a businessman with a professional relationship with Lucasfilm and a die-hard fan, Madsen's point of view on the Star Wars saga always remains twofold. Similarly, his perception of the Fan Event has to be considered on both levels. "Honestly, I've been working so hard behind the scenes that I haven't had an opportunity to stop and realize what is really about to take place here," says Madsen. "I simply didn't have time to stop and think about it, take it all in. The fan in me resurfaced only two days ago, while I was looking at the temporary structures we're setting up outside. They are called 'temporary structures,' but they're much more than tents - they're one step away from permanent buildings. And as I watched those structures, it suddenly dawned on me that this thing is really happening, and that we're not just putting on a 'convention': we're literally building a Star Wars village that people, for one weekend, will inhabit and bring life too. It felt great."
The date for the Fan Event wasn't always set in stone: originally scheduled for late 1998, it was moved back and forth for different reasons before finally settling into its definite "April 30th - May 2nd" timeframe. But the event found its geographical home on day one, a home shared by Dan Madsen himself. "The Fan Club is based here in Denver," says Madsen, "so we thought it would only be appropriate that the Celebration be held here. Lucasfilm agreed, and it was decided. I'm very proud of this, because I was born and raised in Denver, and it pleased me greatly to be able to offer this gift to the community that has given me so much over the years. And now I can't wait for the festivities to begin!"
Sunny weather or not, the Force is coming to Denver - carried in the international hearts of thousands of fans - and it will take the Wings Over the Rockies Museum by storm.
