Garrison Carida is a part of the 501st Legion, the world’s premiere "Star Wars" costuming organization. Led by volunteers and sanctioned by Lucasfilm Ltd., Garrison Carida and the 501st Legion aid in the success of regional charitable functions, community events, and public appearances -- all while having fun and celebrating the "Star Wars" universe throughout Eastern and Central Pennsylvania. Our costumes are so professional that it looks like we stepped off of the screen!

Since it was created in 1997 by Albin Johnson of South Carolina, the costuming organization known as the 501st Legion has spread the magic of "Star Wars" worldwide through its authentic-looking costumes, and has become the leading force in fan-based charity events. Although originally just Albin and a couple of his friends, it has grown to a worldwide organization with nearly 14,000 active members. The 501st Legion, also known as "Vader’s Fist," is truly dedicated to brightening the lives of "Star Wars" fans everywhere.

There's nothing quite like a group of Stormtroopers to bring attention to an event! Unlike individual entertainers, the 501st Legion functions as a group creating a true science-fiction/fantasy ambiance with a wide range of screen-accurate costumes and props. We present a high level of professionalism in both actions and appearance to ensure your event runs smoothly. Having participated at events throughout the world for nearly 30 years, the 501st name alone has been known to boost attendance and media attention. Read some endorsements from our partners on our "Testimonials" page.

We do not charge a fee of any type for appearances, but we enthusiastically welcome donations made to your favorite charity in the name of Garrison Carida and the 501st Legion. If you don’t have a charity of choice, we'll happily provide you with a list of some of our favorite causes such as Make-A-Wish and the Starlight-Starbright Children’s Foundation.

Check our Events Calendar page, and see if we're available when your event is planned. Use our contact form to put in an event request. Once we’ve scheduled your event, please provide a secure changing area for our Troopers to store their clothes and personal items. Also, our Troopers get thirsty in that armor! Please consider providing water so they can stay hydrated.

Easy! Just use our Event Request Form.

We do not make personal appearances at birthday parties, weddings or other similar functions. We are a group made up of individuals who donate the majority of their time to community and charity-oriented events.

Do you have a passion for "Star Wars" and helping others? Do you dream of owning a professional-quality costume based on the Dark-Side characters from "Star Wars?" Are you at least 18 years old? If you answered “yes” to these questions, visit our Join Us page to sign up for our Cadet Forum and get helpful information about joining our ranks. The Empire needs you! Enlist today!

Our authentic "Star Wars" costumes are the result of careful research, custom fabrication and a lot of hard work. The majority of our costume components are hand-built and assembled in our spare time. Given that the likenesses portrayed by these costumes are the intellectual property of Lucasfilm Ltd., it must be stressed that Garrison Carida or the 501st Legion do not provide or sell ready-to-wear costumes for purchase.

Garrison Carida and the 501st Legion portray characters from the darker side of the "Star Wars" universe. If you’re more interested in "Star Wars" costuming on the “lighter” side — Jedis, X-Wing pilots, Wookiees, and the like — check the extensive collection of links on the "Star Wars Family" page.