Calling all Star Wars fans in Huntington Beach. Have you ever wanted to set sail on Jabba The Hutt's barge, you know, the one featured in Return of the Jedi? Well, a replica version of it will be docking in Huntington Beach on July 8 as part of the Course of the Force lightsaber relay that begins the day before in Santa Monica and will end at ComiCon in San Diego on July 12.
The five-day relay will feature a replica of the sailing barge leading the relay down the coast. Hosted by comedian Chris Hardwick, Nerdist Channel's Alison Haislip and Her Universe's Ashley Eckstein, 300 lucky fans will be able to partake in the relay, but they have to sign up through the Course of the Force website here to have the opportunity to participate. They have to run a quarter of a mile and then pass the lightsaber to the next participant. Hopefully they'll be able to make it that far–if only child-like imagination somehow translated into athletic prowess. And we'd be remiss if we didn't remind you of the obvious: watch out for Stormtroopers.
]
In addition to the relay, Epic Ink and Nerdist Industries are giving away one copy of the limited edition book Star Wars: The Blueprints. This book brings together, for the first time, the original blueprints created for the filming of the Star Wars saga. Fans can register to win a copy online here.
For cynics (we find your lack of faith disturbing), this race is for a good cause. All the runner proceeds will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego, Greater Los Angeles, and Orange County and the Inland Empire.
The festivities will be broadcast straight to computer screens world wide, or, at least in all of the occupied grandma's basements in the country via the Nerdist YouTube channel.
Jabba's replica barge will be at Huntington Beach Pier at 4:00 p.m. on July 8. Of course, all times are subject to change.
Follow us on Twitter @ocweeklymusic @danielkohn and Like us on Facebook Heard Mentality
Daniel Kohn is a writer based in Southern California. With bylines in an assortment of outlets, Kohn primarily specializes in music with other interests ranging from sports to food. As a transplant, Kohn loves the beautiful weather and is glad he no longer has to deal with brutal winters. If you see him, say hi and of course, he’s always willing to down a beer or two…if you’re paying.