Request an Imperial Presence at Your Event!
How to Request an Appearance
If you’d like us to appear at your Idaho- or Montana-based event, please fill out an Event Request Form and the 501st Legion will automatically forward it to us. Then, please review the 501st Legion Event Rider (found at the bottom of this page) appropriate for your event type. One of our event coordinators will be in contact with you to get more details, to discuss any ideas or questions you may have, and to finalize plans for our appearance at your event.
Every year, members of the 501st Legion appear at charity and community events around the world. The troopers in Timberline Garrison are no different. Typically, there are 3 general types of events we appear at:
Charity/Community Events
Appearing at charity events is at the very heart of the 501st Legion. In 2012, members of the 501st Legion donated almost six million hours to raise over $184,000 in direct charitable funds and participated in events that helped raise an astounding $14.7 million worldwide!
A charity event is any event sponsored by a reputable charity for the purposes of raising awareness or fundraising. Examples include Toys-For-Tots store appearances in conjunction with the United States Marine Corps, blood drives, charity fairs, walks and runs, school fairs, hospital visits, and scouting events. Nothing draws attention to your event like Darth Vader and Stormtroopers!
A community event is an event that is open to the public, such as a safe kids’ fair, parade, “Boo at the Zoo”, family fun day, etc.
Some of the charities we’ve worked with in the past include:
- Toys for Tots
- Salvation Army
- Tautphaus Park Zoo
- American Cancer Society
- Mak-a-Wish Idaho
- Museum of Idaho
- National MS Society
- Museum of the Rockies
- Equal Access Park Fun Run
- Brooklyn’s Playground
- Rosetta Assisted Living
- Idaho Falls Domestic Violence Center
- Children’s Miracle Network
- Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
- March Against Meth
- St. Luke’s Hospital
- St. Alphonsus
Private Events
A private event is any event requested for a nonpublic or non-promotional function. Private events include (but are not limited to): weddings, award ceremonies, and retirement parties. Please note: Typically, the Timberline Garrison does not appear at birthday parties.
As a rule, the 501st Legion and its members do not charge a fee for private appearances. However, a donation in the name of the 501st Legion to a reputable charity commensurate with the number of characters requested and the event duration is greatly appreciated. If you do not have a charity of choice, we can suggest one – or you can choose one from the list above.
Corporate Events
A corporate or promotional event is any event sponsored by a corporate, advertising, promotions or marketing firm for the purpose of promoting a product, sale, media release.
It should be noted that the Legion does not participate in religious, political, or protest events.
Typically the product or event must have some relationship to the Star Wars franchise and may require permission and sanction by Lucasfilm Ltd. If the Legion has any question of the validity of the product or event the Legion reserves the right to contact Lucasfilm Ltd. regarding the event.
What We Will Bring to Your Event
An appearance by the 501st Legion is a great way to bring a fantastic element of excitement to your event. Imagine Darth Vader stepping right off of the screen and into your event! Depending on the type of event you’re hosting, we can provide different experiences. For Example:
- “Meet-and-Greet” opportunities, allowing fans young and old the opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with their favorite Star Wars Characters
- Photo Opportunities – often with a Star Wars themed backdrop – allowing fans a chance to have their photo taken with Star Wars characters (this can be a great donation-based fundraiser for charities)
- Charity Walks – What’s better than seeing Darth Vader walk in a Relay for Life, MS Walk, etc?
The 501st Legion strives to provide a professional-grade costumed character appearance. We will make every effort to make sure your event is a success!
What We’ll Need From You
Typically, we’ll need a secure space to change in and stow our belongings in. Depending upon the length of the event, we may need scheduled breaks for resting, cool-down, and re-hydration. At events longer than 2 hours or so, bottled water or Gatorade-style beverages are a very nice (and much appreciated) addition.
For additional information, review the appropriate 501st Legion Event Rider (found below) for your event type .