With 2005 the year that the Star Wars cinematic saga came to a close, and 2007 marking the 30th anniversary of the beloved space fantasy, 2006 has understandably been a valley when compared to those past and future peaks. Even so, the last 12 months have managed to pack in a lot of memorable Star Wars moments.

Don't let anyone describe 2006 as a lull. The surface may have seemed quiet, but underneath, Lucasfilm and its various partners have been busy as ever, gearing up for some big things for 2007 and beyond. In a few short days, the 30th anniversary of Star Wars kicks off in a big way at the Rose Bowl Parade, and that's just the start.

But that's in the future. Let's look back at the biggest and brightest events of 2006.

Lawrence Noble's Yoda bronze gets into the spirit of the holidays outside the artist's studio in snow-covered Crestline, California.