Meet your favorite "Star Wars" characters without making a trip to a galaxy far, far away. This Saturday, June 15, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., Knoxville Zoo 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.

Famous "Star Wars" characters including R2D2, Darth Vadar, Luke Skywalker, Stormtroopers and Sandtroopers will be meeting fans and posing for photos in the zoo's East Tennessee Plaza. Little visitors can even learn how to use "The Force" as they engage in mock lightsaber maneuvers and learn how to become Jedi masters.

Visitors are encouraged to don their own "Star Wars" attire to celebrate the occasion. The opportunity to meet "Star Wars" characters is included with general zoo admission and free for Knoxville Zoo members.

Knoxville Zoo is Knoxville's largest year-round attraction. Located off exit 392A from Interstate 40, the zoo is open every day except 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 9:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Admission and ticket sales stop one-hour before the zoo closes. Next-day admission is free after 3 p.m. For more information, please call 865-637-5331 or visit www.knoxvillezoo.org.