May 4th is Star Wars Day and we are rounding ups some fun ways to celebrate in Winnipeg.
A little history first...Playing on the popular phrase, 'May the force be with you' from the iconic films. The phrase was first used in a London newspaper celebrating Margaret Thatcher taking office as the first female Prime Minister on May 4th 1979. Later in 2005 on German news channel asked George Lucas to say the famous movie line. The interpreter translated the sentence into German as Am4 Mai sind wir bei Ihnen, translating to 'On May 4 we are with you'.
But it was a cinema in Toronto, Canada that took the day to a new level with a celebration including trivia, costume contests, tribute films, and parodies. There's so many ways to celebrate the day. Watch some movies, spin off shows, tribute or parody movies and shows, have a lightsaber battle, or be like me and just rock some Leia buns. Here's some ideas on how to celebrate the day here in Winnipeg, and even support local some business.
Themed Treats
Every year you'll find local bakers that are making their own cookie designs or can do custom orders. This year Jenna Rae Cakes has "May the 4th Works Cupcakes" available for pre order right now.
Oh Doughnuts also just announced (Monday May 3rd) that they will have a special line for tomorrow at their Taylor location...
Make Baby Yoda Deviled Eggs
No need to be a super crafty mom to create this fun snack. Spice up breakfast, have it as a snack for a movie marathon, or include in that day's lunch box. Baby Yoda Deviled Eggs
Pick Up Some Comics
Star Wars has a huge spin of collection of comics and graphic novels, which are a great way to get reluctant kids into reading and even art. The comic book store is all part of the experience as well, and Winnipeg has it's a lot of comic book shops to choose from like Galaxy Comics on Henderson Hwy, Mighty Comics on Corydon Ave, Book Fair Comics on Portage Ave (Downtown), Cover to Cover on Portage Ave (St James) and many more. Expand your reads with books about stars and space, try Winnipeg's local bookseller McNally Robinson.
Explore Space
We not be able to attend the Planetarium in person right now but did you know that the Manitoba Museum presents DOME@HOME, a weekly (Thursdays) series of FREE virtual programming inviting Manitobans to explore the universe. And you can catch all their previous episodes on their YouTube channel and their April 15th one goes into detail about our actual spacecrafts in the night sky right now.
Play Games
Have older kids or adults that are Star Wars fans? Head to one of the amazing local board game shops that have Star Wars heavy strategy games to purchase like Across the Board Cafe (Bannatyne Ave), A Muse N Games (Wall St), and GameKnight Games (Osborne St)
Have a Movie Marathon
If you don't own the classic films, you can find them on Disney+ and watch with friends on a joint stream with the GroupWatch feature. You can also check them out through Winnipeg Libraries. You'll also find hundreds of Star Wars themed books, ebooks, audio books, graphic novels, blue-rays, and dvds.
Put on Music
The infamous Star Wars music was composed by the legendary John Williams. He's continued his work through the trilogy and never disappoints to create incredible sounds that have become part of timeless pop culture. He's done other iconic themes such as Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, Superman, Home Alone, and Jaws. Throw it on one day while hanging out at the house or on a car ride, its worth the listen. Try this Star Wars playlist on YouTube.
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Shop Local
There's lots of locally made goods to support sellers in your own neighbourhood. One of my favourite Facebook groups is Handmade Winnipeg, finding locally handmade goods. You can search keywords at the top of the page, or just post what you're looking for and you'll get lots of comments with options to choose from. One of my favourite Winnipeg mom influencers, Modern Prairie Mama, who makes crayons has teamed up with some other creators to put together “May the Force be with You” Curated Children’s Box made up of 7 MB Small Businesses and they are currently running a Giveaway for launching it.
Practice Your Blaster Skills
Want to train to solider in the rebellion? You will need to practice your blaster skills to defend against the stormtroopers so reserve your timeslot at one of the great laser tag locations in Winnipeg like Lasertopia (Waverley St), Uptown Alley (St Mattews Ave) and U-Puttz Amusement (McPhillips)
Get Crafty
Try making some at home crafts with these 30 craft ideas, including pool noodle lightsabers, Leia cupcakes, and milk jug Storm Trooper mask.
