Star Wars mania at Buttercup dunes

The force was strong on Saturday at the Second Annual Discover the Desert Star Wars Day in Buttercup Valley.

Phoenix Star Wars die-hard fan Nathan Willis said, “Coming out here is like a dream. This is where Return of the Jedi was filmed.”

Over a thousand fans gathered here from noon till evening, some with elaborate outfits.

San Diego fan Timothy Simpson said, “Dress up like Star Wars characters and go out and do good deeds, and follow bad guys doing good deeds. A lot of fun!”

Imperial County Film Commission Director Charla Teeters-Stewart said there were plenty of photo opportunities.

“We’ve got some great movie quality characters out here that we really hope people will enjoy and take their picture with,” Teeters-Stewart said.

Fans made long lines for a chance to tour some of the filming location sites.

“They just love Star Wars and love the idea of the film history in our valley and enjoying that,” Teeters-Stewart said.

“Growing up Star Wars was my favorite movie,” Willis said.

Besides the fun, local filming has a strong economic impact in the area.

“We look at between one to three point five million every year in economic impact from filming,” Teeters-Steward said.

Fans said the Star Wars folklore is definitely in Imperial Valley to stay.

“May the force be with you!” said Willis and Simpson.