The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park held a pre-screening party and then an exclusive private screening of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” at the AMC Mission Valley IMAX theater on Thursday, Dec. 17. Hundreds of fans – dressed as Jedi Knights, Han Solos, and Princess Leias (some in gold bikinis and others in the more modest flowing white dress with hair buns) – came out to meet R2-D2, Boba Fett, hang with Stormtroopers from the 501st Legion and consume colorful drinks and food from local restaurants, distilleries and breweries.
The Star Wars fans also witnessed a demonstration on how hover transportation could work and tried diligently to make their own lightsaber at the Fleet Center. The evening culminated with a private motorcoach ride to the theater to watch “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”
Food and drink sponsors at the pre-screening party included Aztec Brewing Co., Old Harbor Distilling Co., Port Brewing and Lost Abbey, The Prado, Quad Ale House, Saiko Sake & Sushi Bar, Bice Ristorante, Slater’s 50/50, High Dive Bar & Grill, Soda & Swine, Malahat Spirits Co., and Tidal Seasonal Craft & Catch.
Some sponsors embraced the event theme and provided Star Wars-inspired food, such as Intergalactic Meatballs from Quad Ale House or the Desert Planet Dessert from High Dive Bar & Grill.