By Mayor Laurene Weste
“The Force is what gives a Jedi his power. It’s an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us. It binds the galaxy together.” — Obi-Wan Kenobi
Movies have a unique way of bringing us together, connecting generations through shared imagination and experience. Few stories have done this as powerfully as Star Wars, a timeless tale of hope, courage and adventure that continues to inspire audiences around the world. This May, I invite you and your family to join us for a special evening as we celebrate “May the 4th Be With You,” not in a galaxy far, far away, but right here in Santa Clarita.
Join us at Central Park (27150 Bouquet Canyon Road) on Monday, May 4, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. for the City’s May the 4th Be With You celebration. This family-friendly event is designed for all members of our community and offers an opportunity for us to come together, enjoy a shared experience and create lasting memories in one of Santa Clarita’s most beloved open spaces.
The evening will begin with a performance by members of the talented Saugus High School Band, highlighting the important role our local students play in bringing creativity, energy and school pride to community events. Their performance will be enhanced by the River of Lights, which will be illuminated during the show, adding a dynamic visual element that complements the music and movement of the band. Debuting last year, the River of Lights features more than 200 embedded lights throughout Central Park, transforming the landscape into an illuminated experience that reflects both innovation and community spirit. As the lights shift and move throughout the performance, they will create a visual experience that helps set the tone for an evening inspired by the Star Wars universe, reminiscent of a spacecraft and lightsabers coming to life.
At 7:45 p.m., the evening’s main feature begins with an outdoor screening of Star Wars: A New Hope. This iconic film introduced audiences to a galaxy far, far away and launched a story that continues to resonate across generations. It is always special to see families come together, from children to grandparents, sharing in a story that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire imagination and connection. Guests are encouraged to arrive early, bring blankets or low-back chairs and enjoy the activities available throughout the evening. A variety of hands-on experiences will be offered for all ages, including a limited number of pool noodle lightsabers for children while supplies last, along with a lightsaber battle zone and a parkour-style obstacle course designed to encourage movement and creativity. Additional activities such as volleyball, soccer and cornhole will provide even more opportunities for families and friends to gather and enjoy time together, all made possible by the City’s Recreation and Community Services Department. Once you or your little ones have played hard and worked up an appetite, grab a bite to eat at the on-site food trucks, and then relax and take in a full evening of entertainment.
Central Park has long been one of our City’s most cherished gathering places, where residents come to enjoy recreation, celebrate traditions and create lasting memories. This event continues that tradition, providing opportunities for our community to come together in meaningful ways and experience all that our City has to offer. This is a special evening of entertainment that all ages will enjoy. We hope to see you there, and May the 4th Be With You!
Mayor Laurene Weste is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council and can be reached at lweste@santaclarita.gov.
