Death Star lands on Turlock street for Christmas

You may have sensed a great surge in the Force on Tuesday night in Turlock. A little after 6 p.m.

The “Star Wars” galaxy, usually far, far away, has relocated to Teresa Way – Marc Jackson’s 2515 address, to be specific.

Most of the gang was there: Darth Vader, Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker, Yoda, stormtroopers. Beneath the Chewbacca head was Jackson.

He laughed when told that a man who stopped by the home Monday night and saw the “Star Wars” characters interacting with visitors, posing for photos, doing some cosplay and having a dance party called the experience – including a light display and movie theme music – incredible.

“It’s marginal,” Jackson downplayed it, then admitted that the costuming is “pretty authentic.”

There was no way to find a Yoda-sized Yoda, but Jackson said the friend in the old Jedi knight’s costume was a real trouper.

“She’s probably about 4-11, but she stoops over well,” Jackson said of his role player. “The kids don’t care anyway. They see Yoda,” and that’s that. The beauty of imagination.

Jackson said his display and interactive event fit well on Teresa, which is a pretty festive court where several homes are done up big, including a neighbor with an impressive Grinch theme.

This is the first year he’s rolled out his “Star Wars” show. He’s a big fan of the movie saga, as are people around the world, of course. But like so many of us living where Modesto native and “Star Wars” creator George Lucas grew up, he has a particular affection.

Jackson’s front yard includes Darth Vader and Death Star inflatables, among other decorations. A sound system plays music from John Williams’ “Star Wars” score, including “The Death Star” theme.

But when the dance party starts, anything goes. Guests have seen Jedi and Sith alike grooving to stuff such as MC Hammer and C&C Music Factory’s “Everybody Dance Now.”

Jackson was playing host Tuesday night, breaking character – it’s hard to be heard through a Chewy mask, and besides, Wookiees don’t speak English – to introduce the characters on hand.

“We like to bring fun to the kids – that’s what it’s all about,” he said.

Jackson intends to make his “Star Wars” Christmas more elaborate as the years go on. After all, the empire wasn’t built in a day.

He’s not a member of the Central California Garrison of the 501st Legion, which calls itself “Central California's Definitive Imperial Costuming Organization,” but “I’m sure they would approve. This brings good attention to the Force.”

This story was originally published December 23, 2014 at 4:09 PM with the headline "Death Star lands on Turlock street for Christmas."