Knoxville Zoo is hosting an out-of-this world holiday event.  Star Wars characters will be meeting guests and posing for holiday photos on Saturday, Dec. 19, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the festively decorated Pilot Flying J Wee Play Adventure building.

Favorite “Star Wars” characters will be at the zoo during the event, including that jolly old Jedi Darth Vader, who will be appearing from 10:00 a.m. until noon.  

Star Wars characters are from the MidSouth Garrison of the 501st Legion, a worldwide Star Wars costuming organization comprised of and operated by Star Wars fans and the preferred Imperial costuming group of Lucasfilm Ltd, creator of the “Star Wars” film franchise.

The Star Wars Holiday event is included with general zoo admission.  Knoxville Zoo is currently offering buy one, get one free admission tickets during Kroger Bogo Days now through February 29, 2016.

Knoxville Zoo is Knoxville’s largest year-round attraction.  Located off exit 392 from Interstate 40, the zoo is open every day except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Knoxville Zoo is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is committed to the highest standards in animal care and well-being, ethics, conservation, and education. Currently, the zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.  Admission and ticket sales stop one-hour before the zoo closes. For more information, please call 865-637-5331 ext. 300 or visit www.knoxvillezoo.org.