Tomorrow is International Star Wars Day and the force is strong here in the Cowboy State. Jedi warriors in Wyoming are trained to avoid the dark side from a young age.

In 2016, students at Powell High School made their own lightsabers in art class when their original plan to build a replica of the Millennium Falcon proved too complicated. The class project culminated with a lightsaber duel in front of the entire school.

The University of Wyoming also offered a Star Wars class for several years. In his English 4640 course 'Star Wars and Medieval Literature', Professor Ryan Croft encouraged students to compare classic literature to the themes presented in Star Wars, including gender roles, religion, and warfare.

Han Solo and Princess Leia also loved the Cowboy State. Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher both had vacation homes outside of Jackson for many years and their families would often fish together in the Snake River.

Star War fans from other states recognize Wyoming's importance to the galaxy. One fan from New Jersey once wrote a  parody of the classic Charlie Daniels song "The Devil Went Down to Georgia". His version is titled "The Jedi Went To Wyoming".

Unfortunately, there are also some stormtroopers who would like to see Wyoming join the dark side.  Mountain Garrison 501st Legion of Stormtroopers is “assigned to Earth, to protect and serve the Emperor and the members of the Galactic Empire. With over 150 members, the Mountain Garrison is assigned the task of maintaining security across the states of Wyoming and Colorado.”

 

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