Legionfest is going to be just a little different this year. Through a happy coincidence, the event falls on May 4, a day during which fans across the galaxy celebrate Star Wars.

With this in mind, cosplay members from the 501st Legion, 70th Explorers Garrison, Great Plains Squad of Wichita will be present. The organization celebrates Star Wars through the use of costumes, often of their own creation, at community charities and volunteer events. The group will be at Legionfest from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

“This is a pretty big deal,” Legionfest organizer and Ellsworth American Legion Post 174 Commander Jason Hicks said.

May 4 has become the unofficial, or to some, official Star Wars holiday. In 1977, Gen. Dodonna uses the phrase when addressing the rebel alliance prior to their assault on the Death Star.

“Then man your ships! And may The Force be with you!”

Fans began using the similar sounding May the fourth as early as 1979, when a London newspaper writer congratulated Britain’s new prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, on her first day of office. The writer said, “May the fourth be with you, Maggie. Congratulations!”

While an impressive addition to the Legionfest event, the fourth annual veteran celebration will also host a slew of other activities for those who are less enthusiastic about the sci-fi trilogy. Events kickoff at 7 a.m. with the 5k run and a breakfast at the Ellsworth Legion Post, 645 W. 15th St.

“Put simply, Legionfest is our free “community thank you” festival to the people of Ellsworth and the surrounding communities for all the support and love they’ve shown the Legion this past year,” Hicks said.

Part of that thank you is that entrance into the event is free of charge. The breakfast is by freewill donation. From the Legion post, the activities move over to the parade field where gates open at 10 a.m. The field will be littered with vendors of all kinds, from food to crafts. Activities include a state-sanctioned kids’ pedal pull competition, beer gardens, cornhole tournament, live music, strongman competition, children’s activities and more.

“It’s definitely a family affair; stuff for mom and dad and the kiddos as well,” Hicks said. “It helps support the Legion, but also helps small businesses from all over the state and even a couple other states.”

Any of the freewill donations collected go to the American Legion to support their efforts for veterans and the community. Once the event is over, Hicks and others will go right into planning for next year’s event. Community and veteran assistance is their passion, and it takes a village.

“It’s all about the veterans and their communities,” Hicks said. “It’s important to take care of each other.”

Schedule of events

7 a.m. Legionfest 5K Fun Run 7-9 a.m. Breakfast at the Ellsworth Legion Post 10 a.m. Gates open to the public — Food vendors include Amelia’s Tacos, Food Trippin’, Just the Wurst Concessions, Yummy Creations, Ellsworth 4-H Shooting Club, Noi’s Food Truck and Stick In The Hole 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 501st/70 Garrison/Star Wars group 11 a.m. Beer tent opens 3:30 p.m. Pedal tractor pull check-in 4 p.m. Pedal tractor pull hosted by M&C Pedal Power LLC 5 p.m. Hog roast supper hosted by Post 174 American Legion and Homeier Farms Throwing Thunder Cornhole Tournament hosted by Baggin’ 4 Veterans The Kansas Log Lift Championship & Strongman Competition hosted by Ellsworth Strength Center Live music includes Josh Helvey, Nickalas Taylor, Jaelen Johnston and Third Reflection Unplugged