HANSON — A Star Wars Symposium was held at the Hanson Public library on Dec. 28 with several local families and Star Wars aficionados gathering for a visit over winter vacation.
Peter Struzziero, a “Star Wars” buff since childhood, brought his collection of toys dating back to the first trilogy, which began in 1977. He joked that the toys were out of the boxes, which may have disturbed a fanatical fan. The group was gifted with time and touch for each of the visitors. Exploring and handling the collection of toys in a form of a movable museum was all things “Star Wars.” Struzziero shared his knowledge with ages ranging from five to 55.
He presented memes and humorous videos in a short introduction poking fun at both himself and other enthusiasts that have every toy and collectors dream cabinet full with Star Wars-related memorabilia … but they never free any of it from its original packaging.
During the movie clips, the toys from Struzziero’s collection appeared to take on different shapes and colors as the lights were lowered. The children laughed hysterically over YouTube Lego and cat related Star Wars humor.
Struzziero fired trivia at some of the teens, who could recite nearly entire portions of the epic space opera.
Their vast knowledge was impressive and they provided explanations that solved or at least debated the trivia answers.
Will Clements, 11, of Hanson donning an X Wing Star Fighter helmet and later was seen in a harmless lightsaber duel. He attended with his father and they talked with other enthusiasts about which movies they saw and will be seeing in re-runs and new on demand releases.
Danny, 4, and Ryan, 6, Delue of Hanson along with their three sisters all attended the symposium with their mom.
They were in costumes and played with each of the loose figurines along with the Skowyra brothers of Whitman.
Matthew, 5, was Darth Vador and his brother Zack, 7, was a storm trooper and with help from his mom tried on the matching helmet from Struzziero’s collection.
Matt Lawson, 12, of Hanson wore a Chewbacca mask as he watched the movie with John Goodrow, 15, also of Hanson. The pair laughed at similar parts of the memes. Richard Goodrow father of John said he didn’t really get in to the “Star Wars” phenomena until the movie Rogue one from 2016.
The pair now shares a common interest however John could easily play mind tricks on his father with his intense, endless facts on “Star Wars” characters, creatures, and galactic battles.
When this reporter confessed that she did not know anything about the “Star Wars” sagas there was a gasp and then silence fell over the room.
It was the perfect time to learn …and until next time “May the Force be with you!”