Storm Troopers in South Frontenac?

Kelli McRobert | Jul 12, 2023

I still remember the first time I entered a movie house and found the perfect seat. Popcorn in hand, maybe some licorice, and an ice-cold beverage to wash it all down. The screen looked massive as it loomed over me, center row, center seat, was the optimal view as the lights began to dim.  Surround sound was improving and the Star Wars movie would be cutting edge technology as Industrial Light & Magic built wire-frame animations for the Death Star effect.

As the screen drew black, words began to scroll up. A story was being told, history was unfolding, as the Star Wars film was released.  4 years in the making, and $9.5 million dollars was on the line as 20^th Century Fox backed the idea of an imaginative director called George Lucas. As the music washed over us, it’s a moment in time I will never forget ‘dun, dun, dun, dah, dah, da da da dahhhh da’, well, you know how it goes! And now, every time I hear that theme, I flash back to a quieter time, simpler really, one where going to the movies was a ‘special event’, heading across the river, and sitting in the cool comfort on a hot summer’s eve. Wide eyed, immersed in another time, somewhere in a galaxy, ‘far, far, away’, curiosity and excitement building with each new character as it either shuffled it’s way across the screen with C-3PO panache or noted displeasure with a Wookiee wail.

Could Lucas have imagined what a franchise he was about to build. Spin offs, characters, creatures, and far out ideas that took us to imaginary places in different worlds. From here, it exploded with merchandising unlike anyone had seen before.  Robots took on personalities of their own, and we grew fond of them.  Costumes and comic conventions took it to the next level as fans demonstrated their knowledge and skills with the perfect costume, make up, and knowledge of the characters they embodied with a truly devout passion.

Last weekend, as everyone celebrated Canada Day, a small booth was set up at Centennial Park, that upon a closer look, had a group of Star Wars (Empire) characters in full regalia.  I was drawn by curiosity as to what this group was.  I met the lovely Bridget Levesque who is the Eastern Ontario Captain of Rebel Legion, and she introduced me to her fully clad crew.  She explained the “Rebel mission as threefold. First, we offer the costume enthusiast of the Star Wars hero characters, a global community to enjoy, express, and share their costume talents. Second, the Legion also promotes the quality and improvement of Star Wars costumes. Third, and most importantly, we follow the lead of Lucasfilm Ltd. by giving back to the community through works of charity and volunteerism.”

She went on to state that “each costume is meticulously designed and created by the wearer and meets strict specifications that are found in their guidebooks down to the smallest details”.  It is truly like being on a movie set, as a Storm Trooper loomed over me and answered questions about his battle scars and war-torn gear. I felt badly as the heat was unbearable standing there, and yet, fully face masked fighters and Commanders, answered my kid-like questions, and stayed steadfast in character. I love costumes and (admittedly) had to try to maintain my decorum as I really would have liked a few selfies to post online, to truly capture the moment!!

When I asked, “what is this group”, I was impressed to hear that not only are they experts on everything Star Wars, but they are also a group of volunteers that take the time to attend charitable events to help raise funds for local initiatives, as mentioned above.  They have been seen at parades, festivals, parties, and large events and attend hospitals to cheer up children who are needing a break from the routines of extended stays.  This group came down, all the way from Ottawa and are hoping to find more like-minded people that not only enjoy the world of sci-fi, and Star Wars, specifically, but also want to help others through this unique community.

The mission statement of the 501^st is:

“To Promote Interest in Star Wars.  The 501^st Legion brings fans together, reinforcing the enduring longevity of the Star Wars saga. 

To Facilitate the Use of Costumes. Some fans are content to collect action figures…other fans want to be action figures

To Contribute While the  organization was founded to simply provide a collective identity for costuming fans with similar interests, the 501^st is proud to put its resources to good use through fundraising, charity work, and volunteerism. 

They have worked with numerous local agencies including the Red Cross, CHEO Foundation, Make A Wish, and Children’s Wish.

If you are interested having them attend your local event, please contact them. They do not charge a fee for appearances, however, do welcome donations towards charitable organizations on behalf of the 501^st.

For more information, please contact them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or their website https://www.capitalcity501st/ca or www.rebellegion.com

Thank you to the Capital City Garrison -501^st & Rebel Legions for a lovely visit!

May the Force be with you!