By now, most of the world with access to picture machines knows of Star Wars and most people that know me, know of my adoration of almost all things A Galaxy Far, Far Away and the particularly wonderful opportunities I've experienced.

Every few to a couple years, LucasFilm kicks off a big party known as Star Wars Celebration. In 2015, I was able through the generosity of others, to participate in the festivities and it was fabulous. 

Held at the Orange County Convention Center abutting the Disneyland Resort, Star Wars Celebration Anaheim was, what I felt, the final stretch of the long road to Episode VII. There we got to see the new trailer and meet some of the cast of the movie. 

What's more, we got to See BB-8 roll onto stage live and unfettered by wires or... being computer generated.

The experience was further improved by the proximity to Disneyland. Being right across the street, I was able to take a few hours from Star Wars and ride Star Tours and then return back to the Star Wars.

Now, I have warmed up to Cons over the years and while massive amounts of people are usually to be avoided, I found Star Wars Celebration to be really fun. The Panels were numerous and many of them more than desirable to visit. In fact, many times I had to make a choice as the times often overlapped.

One of the most fun I had in a panel was the live reading of William Shakespeare's Star Wars. Within, I got to hear many of the audiobook stars I've come to recognize, portraying Star Wars in the Elizabethan vernacular with a healthy serving and iambic pentameter.

Speaking of Williams Shakespeare, Ian McDiarmid did a chilling and epic reading of the emperor's soliloquy from said book. Nobody said a word nor was there anybody in the room, not enthralled by this moment. To put it mildly, he killed it and is one of the moments I cherish and will be eternally grateful to have seen.

In addition to all of this, I got to see JJ Abrams in the flesh. The filmmaker responsible for Alias, Lost and, of course, Star Wars: Episode VII was right in front of us as we went into the theater.

There were so many memorable experiences and I got to see many of the people whose work has brought me so much joy and contemplation.

Soon, Star wars Celebration will go to Orange County. But this time, it will be in Orlando Florida and I hope to see many of my friends and some I consider family, there.