To celebrate the debut of the film, many unofficial fan groups across North America are gathering to once again turn the opening night of a Star Wars movie into a party to remember. On October 31 or November 1 (check local theater listings), fans are planning to show up in their finest fan-made costumes, to hand out the special limited edition Bantha Tracks #0, and much more. Many groups are turning the power of fandom to benefit local charities and not-for-profit organizations.

Here's some of what we hear is in the works for opening night:

• In Tempe, AZ, on Halloween night, local fan groups will be handing out candy to all trick or treating children at the Arizona Mills Mall IMAX theater. The local NBC affiliate will be sponsoring a Costume Contest as well.
• At the Virginia Marine Science Museum IMAX screening in Hampton, Shannon Baksa, the model known for playing the real-life incarnation of Mara Jade, is said to be in attendance on November 1 to meet with fans.
• In Atlanta, GA, fan groups will show up in full stormtrooper armor and Rebel gear, to challenge fans with trivia contests.
• In Raleigh, NC, Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) is scheduled to attend Halloween night festivities. There will also be costume contests and a stormtrooper parade at the theater.
• In Boston, MA, fan groups will include costumed Jedi training young candidates in the Jedi arts and lightsaber skills. Fans will also be raising donations for the New England Aquarium's Education Program through photo opportunities on November 1.
• In Natick, MA, fan groups will raise donations to benefit the Jimmy Fund, and its support of the fight against cancer in children and adults.
• In Tampa, FL at the Museum of Science and Industry, there will be photo opportunities with Star Wars characters for donations to benefit the Museum's programs for at-risk and disadvantaged children. At the Channelside IMAX theater, fans will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots.
• In Huntsville, AL, fans will be running a toy drive for Toys for Tots, and will be raising donations for the Children's Miracle Network.
• In New York, NY, fan groups are collecting donations for the Oasis Foundation and the Big Apple Circus Clown Care Unit.
• In Charleston, SC, fans will be having a toy drive for Toys for Tots and raising money for the Medical University of South Carolina Children's Hospital.