Zoo Knoxville is hosting an out-of-this world holiday event with Star Wars characters from the MidSouth Garrison of the 501st Legion this Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the festively decorated and heated Kids Cove tent.  

Star Wars characters will be meeting guests and posing for holiday photos, including that jolly old Jedi Darth Vader, who will be appearing from 10:00 a.m. until noon.  Activities also include an intergalactic craft.

The MidSouth Garrison of the 501st Legion is 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.  Zoo Knoxville is currently offering buy one, get one free admission tickets during Kroger Bogo Days.

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 from 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. daily.  Admission and ticket sales stop one-hour before the zoo closes. For more information visit zooknoxville.org.