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For the members of the 501st Legion Mountain Garrison, "Star Wars" is more than just a movie series. The space opera is also a lifelong obsession and an excuse for the 100-member costume group to gather, dress in elaborate, pricey outfits and even do charity work by visiting children in hospitals.
We caught up with four of the Mountain Garrison's members as they prepared for the 34th annual StarFest convention, which wraps up today at the Denver Marriott Tech Center.
John Wenzel
Julie Yakes
Costume: X-Wing Pilot
Age: 38
Occupation: Worker's compensation supervisor/attorney
Town: Broomfield
Favorite "Star Wars" movie: "The Empire Strikes Back"
Favorite
When did you know you were hooked? "Ever since I saw 'Star Wars' as a child, I've been fascinated with the storm trooper characters. I also collect headwear and hats and helmets, and I've always loved costume parties, so this is a perfect way to enjoy a costume but actually do something with it."
Do you still live in your parents' basement? "If there weren't a charitable element to this I wouldn't do it, because it does become that stereotype of putting on the Spock ears and living in your parents' basement."
Jerry Olp
Costume: Storm Trooper
Age: 40
Occupation: Surveyor
Town: Highlands Ranch
Favorite "Star Wars" movie: "Star Wars"
Favorite characters: Boba Fett and Darth Maul
When did you know you were hooked? "It was the very first time I saw it in 1977 during the beginning scene where they blow open the doors and all the storm troopers pour through. I lived it from that moment on."
Do you still live in your parents' basement? "Hah, no . . . for me it's mainly about putting smiles on kids' faces. Kids really light up when they see me and a guy dressed as Darth Vader walking into a
Tony Rich
Costume: Jedi
Age: 33
Occupation: College student
Town: Denver
Favorite "Star Wars" movie: "The Empire Strikes Back"
Favorite character: Darth Vader
When did you know you were hooked? "I was all of 4 years old when the original 'Star Wars' hit theaters, and it absolutely fascinated me. I haven't been able to tear myself away since."
Do you still live in your parents' basement? "Most of us are gainfully employed because the costumes are fairly expensive. So, no, we're not all living in mom's basement."
Regina Tironi
Costumes: Jawa
Age: 39
Occupation: Medical-records consultant
Town: Broomfield
Favorite "Star Wars" movie: "Return of the Jedi"
Favorite character: R2D2
When did you know you were hooked? "I've always been interested in costuming, but my roommate is the one who got me involved, and once we actually started making costumes, well . . . it's like a drug."
Do you still live in your parents' basement? "No, in fact Julie (Yakes, above) is my roommate. There are the people who do it for the costuming, and then there are people like us who really enjoy going out and giving back to the community. When a child dying of cancer gets to see a favorite 'Star Wars' character come to life and shake their hand and have their picture taken, the brightness in their face is just overwhelming."
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