Meet your favorite “Star Wars” characters without making a trip to a galaxy far, far away!  On Saturday, March 19, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., “Star Wars” characters will be meeting fans and posing for photos at Zoo Knoxville.  

The day will also feature a Jedi Training Camp for aspiring Padawans that includes light saber training and special instructions on how to use The Force, allowing each child to leave a certified Jedi knight.    

Visitors are encouraged to wear their own “Star Wars” attire to celebrate the occasion.  Children ages 12 and under who come dressed as their favorite Star Wars character will receive free admission with a paid adult admission (limit one free child admission per adult admission).  The opportunity to meet “Star Wars” characters is included with general zoo admission.   

Zoo Knoxville will bring the big screen to life with help from the MidSouth Garrison of the 501st Legion, the preferred costuming organization of Lucasfilm Ltd., producer of the “Star Wars” film series.     

Zoo Knoxville is a nonprofit entity situated on 53 wooded acres just east of downtown Knoxville. Zoo Knoxville features exhibits of wild animals in natural habitats and is world renowned for its efforts in conservation and species survival. Zoo Knoxville 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. Knoxville’s largest attraction, the zoo is open every day except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  Currently, the zoo is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.  Admission and ticket sales stop one-hour before the zoo closes. For more information visit zooknoxville.org.