It was the start of a resurgence of Star Wars fandom, a perfect storm of passionate fans and burgeoning technology that allowed Star Wars enthusiasts worldwide to connect and share in celebrating the saga.
Because it took place in 1999, during the Jurassic-era of the Internet, the first Star Wars Celebration remains the least documented of the official Lucasfilm conventions (at least, as far as online coverage goes). Many fans were still lugging around film cameras to events rather than digital ones, and no one was podcasting or live-blogging the festivities.
Rather than let the first Celebration be forgotten, StarWars.com will be dedicating this week to coverage on this party: from reprinted archival articles to newly discovered media of the event.
So turn back the clock ten years and blast off to the rain-soaked but fun-packed memories of the so-called "Star Wars Woodstock" starting today on StarWars.com.
A Look Back at Star Wars Celebration (Watch this space throughout the week for more articles)
- Star Wars Celebration 1999: The original 1999 article covering the event.
- Celebration Soundbites: Nick Dudman: Newly uncovered audio from the event.
- A Look Back at Star Wars Celebration: Presented here is Star Wars Insider's extensive coverage of the event.
- Celebration Soundbites: Nick Dudman, Part II: The audio presentation continues here.
- Ahmed Best Lands the Mothership at the Jar Jar Jam: Do Star Wars fans and funk made a good mix?
- Celebration Soundbites: Iain McCaig and Trisha Biggar: An audio presentation about the making of Episode I's amazing costumes.
- Celebration Soundbites: Iain McCaig and Trisha Biggar, Part II: Continuing the audio presentation, with Q&A session.
- My Celebration Memories Insider Columnist and Celebration MC Scott Chernoff recalls the whirlwind weekend.
- Remembering Celebration A compilation of quotes and fresh recollections from the fans who were there!
- All content keyworded "Celebration"
