By City Manager Ken Striplin
In the opening line of Star Wars: A New Hope, George Lucas sets the scene with, “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away….” While that story begins elsewhere, Santa Clarita is introducing a special event that draws inspiration from this iconic film. Creating opportunities for residents to gather and enjoy shared experiences is a key part of how we continue to strengthen community in Santa Clarita. As we move further into spring and look ahead to summer, the City is introducing May the 4th Be With You, an event that brings together entertainment, recreation and one of our most unique public spaces.
On Monday, May 4, residents are invited to Central Park for the May the 4th Be With You event at the base of the River of Lights from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Designed as a family-friendly evening, the event combines live entertainment, interactive activities and a community movie screening in a setting that highlights the versatility of our park system.
The evening will begin with a performance by members of the Saugus High School Marching Band. As they perform, the River of Lights will be illuminated, adding a visual element that enhances the experience and showcases how public spaces can be used in creative and engaging ways. Throughout the event, families can take part in activities developed by the City’s Recreation and Community Services team. A lightsaber battle zone will provide an interactive space for children, with the first 200 participants receiving a complimentary pool noodle lightsaber. Additional offerings will include volleyball, cornhole and food trucks, creating a well-rounded experience for attendees of all ages. Residents are encouraged to come dressed in themed attire, adding to the shared atmosphere of the evening while maintaining a welcoming and inclusive environment for the entire community.
The evening will conclude with a screening of Star Wars: A New Hope, beginning at 7:45 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets and arrive early to find seating. The format will be similar to the City Cinemas program, offering a comfortable and accessible way to enjoy an outdoor movie.
This event reflects the City’s ongoing efforts to activate public spaces in ways that are engaging, safe and accessible. By offering new programming in familiar locations, we continue to create opportunities for residents to connect while making full use of the amenities available throughout Santa Clarita. I encourage you to join us on May 4 for an evening that brings together community, creativity and one of our City’s signature park experiences. For more information, please visit SantaClarita.gov.
