The droids are coming to Los Angeles!

The R2-D2 Builders, a group of fans who construct their own movie-real models of droids from the Star Wars saga, are planning a spectacular display for Star Wars Celebration IV, May 24-28 in the Los Angeles Convention Center. The droid builders, who created exceptional displays at both Celebrations II and III, have even greater things in store for fans, including panels, a parade, and the XXtreme Droid Challenge.

"The R2 Builders' Group is absolutely thrilled to once again be a part of such an amazing event," says Jason Smith, key organizer of the group at Celebration. "We have many things planned for those attending CIV, including Droid Races, parades, and even a few new surprises."

An international organization, the R2-D2 Builders started as an Internet network for sharing building tips and information. With members from Australia to Germany, the builders have grown to hundreds of craftsman since Dave Everett of Sydney, Australia founded the group in 1999. Their work is most impressive -- many of their droids are hard to distinguish from the droids that were created for the movies. The droid designers will exhibit their creations in their own dedicated room, and will be on hand to talk about their work and share their building tips with fans and potential builders. Special activities and tutorials are planned for the room, too.

"In honor of the 30th anniversary of the original Star Wars, we have decided to really work hard to recreate the vintage "vibe" for our space at the Convention Center," reports Smith. "I'm confident that anyone who takes the time to stop by will not leave disappointed." Droid fun will not be limited to the Builder's Room! The Builders will be leading panels on the Star Wars Fan Stage, like "Droid Building 101," "Droid Building on a Budget" and more. Those who enjoyed the Droidyard 500 at Celebration III in the Fan Fair Exhibit Hall can look forward to even more excitement, with more Droid Races, the XXtreme Droid Challenge (look for details yet to come on starwars.com/celebration!), and a new hands-on challenge just for fans.

"Fans will have a chance to test their skills as an Astromech operator at the first ever Drive-A-Droid Trivia Challenge in the Fan Fair Hall," says Smith.

Those who watched the R2-D2 Parade that rolled through Celebration II in 2002 remember the fun of seeing so many Artoo and other droid units moving along together via remote control. Families and kids of all ages loved the parade, so the Droid Builders are bringing it back for Celebration IV. The route will be longer with room for more spectators. Look for details and locations in future starwars.com/celebration updates.

	R2_D2 Builders at Celebration IV Droid Displays & Demonstrations Room 501 ABC Droid Races, Trivia Challenge, and XXtreme Droid Competition Fan Fair, Exhibit Hall G Friday, May 25 through Monday, May 28 Droid Building Panels Star Wars Fan Stage Room 409 AB Scheduled throughout show. Times will be announced later, and locations might change. Please check www.starwars.com/celebration closer to the show.