FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is Garrison Carida®?
What is the 501st Legion?
What can Garrison Carida do for me?
Does Garrison Carida® charge for appearances?
I’d like to have Garrison Carida® at my event. How should I prepare?
How do I contact Garrison Carida® to attend my event?
Will Garrison Carida® appear at my child’s birthday party?
How can I join Garrison Carida®?
Where do you get those costumes?
What about the Star Wars “good guys?”
Who is Garrison Carida®?
Garrison Carida® is a part of the 501st Legion, the world’s premiere Star Wars costuming organization. Led by volunteers and sanctioned by Lucasfilm Ltd., Garrison Carida® and the 501st Legion aid in the success of regional charitable events, community-based events, and public appearances while having fun and celebrating the Star Wars universe throughout Eastern and Central Pennsylvania. Our costumes are so professional that it looks like we stepped off of the screen into your event.
What is The 501st Legion?
Since 1997, the costuming organization known as the 501st Legion has spread the magic of Star Wars worldwide through its authentic-looking costumes, and has become the leading force in fan-based charity events. The 501st, also known as Vader’s Fist, is truly dedicated to brightening the lives of Star Wars fans everywhere.
What can Garrison Carida® do for me?
There is nothing quite like a group of Stormtroopers to bring attention to an event! Unlike individual entertainers, the 501st Legion functions as a group creating a true science-fiction/fantasy ambiance with a wide range of screen-accurate costumes and props. We present a high level of professionalism in both actions and appearance to ensure your event runs smoothly. Having participated at events throughout the world for more than 25 years, the 501st name alone has been known to boost attendance and media attention. Read some endorsements from our partners here.
Does Garrison Carida® charge for appearances?
We do not charge a fee for appearances, but we enthusiastically welcome donations made to your favorite charity in the name of Garrison Carida® and the 501st Legion. If you don’t have a charity of choice, we would happily provide you with a list of some of our favorite causes such as Make-a-Wish and the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation.
I’d like to have Garrison Carida® at my event, how should I prepare?
Check our Event Calendar, and see if we are available when your event is scheduled to take place. Use our contact form to put in an event request. Once we’ve scheduled your event, please provide a secure changing area for our Troopers to store their clothes and personal items. Also, our Troopers get thirsty in that armor! Please consider providing water so they can stay hydrated.
How do I contact Garrison Carida® to attend my event?
Please use our Event Request Form.
Will Garrison Carida® appear at my child’s birthday party or my wedding?
We do not make personal appearances at birthday parties, weddings or other similar functions. We are a group made up of individuals who donate the majority of their time to community and charity-oriented events.
How can I join Garrison Carida®?
Do you have a passion for Star Wars and helping others? Do you desire to own a professional-quality costume based on “bad guy” characters from Star Wars? Are you at least 18 years old? If you answered “yes” to these questions, visit our Join Us page to sign up for our Cadet Forum and get helpful information about joining our ranks.
Where do you get those costumes?
Our costumes are the result of careful research, fabrication and a lot of hard work. The majority of our costume components are hand-built and assembled in our spare time. Given that the likenesses portrayed by these costumes are the intellectual property of Lucasfilm Ltd., it must be stressed that Garrison Carida® or the 501st Legion do not provide or manufacture costumes for purchase.
What about the Star Wars “good guys?”
Garrison Carida® and the 501st Legion portray characters from the darker side of the Star Wars universe. If you’re more interested in Star Wars costuming on the “lighter” side — Jedis, X-Wing pilots, Wookiees, and the like — check out these links to our sister organizations. The Rebel Legion is the direct counterpart to the 501st Legion. In Eastern Pa., Kyber Base is Carida’s direct counterpart. If bounty hunting and work-for-hire is more your style, you’ll want to check out The Mandalorian Mercs.
Can’t find your answer here? Contact us to get answers to your other questions.
The 501st Legion is a worldwide Star Wars costuming organization comprised of and operated by Star Wars fans. While it is not sponsored by Lucasfilm Ltd., it is Lucasfilm’s preferred Imperial costuming group. Star Wars, its characters, costumes, and all associated items are the intellectual property of Lucasfilm. © & ™ Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. Used under authorization.