Former visionary George Lucas, who made three good movies over twenty years ago, will be the grand marshall of the Rose Parade on New Year's Day. Accompanying him around his two Star Wars-themed floats will be 200 storm troopers.

Wow! Actual storm troopers?!? Like with lasers and everything?!? Um, no:

The storm troopers belong to a fan club called the 501st Legion, which boasts 3,000 members who appear at fundraisers and charitable events. Members create their own costumes, which can cost up to $1,000 each.

Well, well, well… the USC Song Girls and the 501st Legion hanging out in the same town — nay, the very same parade? I guess we can look forward to a southern California baby boom in late August and early September. Let me tell you, those costumes and a wealth of knowledge about Dagobah's annual rainfall are a direct ticket to Pantytown.

Source = The Realests, by way of the Fanhouse