The Central California Garrison began as a part of the Golden Gate Garrison. In 2001, 501st Legion Command with the support of the Golden Gate Garrison approved the creation of the Central California Garrison, a group to cover everything East of the Coastal Mountains, and North of the Fresno area.
The Garrison started with a small core group of troopers, but grew quickly as word spread that there was a group operating locally. In it’s first year of existence, the Garrison trooped an event that would become a staple, occurring every year, Coats for Kids in Sacramento.
2002 and 2003 were years of massive growth for the Garrison, and indeed for the Legion as a whole. The theatrical release of Attack of the Clones provided the garrison with one of its largest public appearances, both in Modesto and Sacramento. This time period also allowed for the development of a working relationship with Toys R Us, the beginnings of the Legion’s participation in the Wondercon convention, and the Garrison’s involvement with the Sacramento Comic’s and Cards Show.
In 2004, the Garrison spent quite a big of time in our costumes, and continued to draw in new membership. This year also provided a special opportunity for members of the Garrison, as we were able to participate in the filming of a short fan film, “A Clone Empire of One” produced by students of garrison member Shawn Sullivan and his K9-Studios
2005 was, a massive year for the Garrison. With the cooperation and financial backing of Brenden Theaters in Modesto, the CCG was able to build a mock-up of a Star Destroyer Bridge for display above the theater’s snack bar. The Episode Three charity premiere still remains our most heavily attended event in Garrison history. This same backdrop was later repurpose and used in an exhibit at the California State Fair.
With no movies coming out, and no major media events on the horizon, we all expected 2006 to be a slow year as we got things kicked off. How wrong we were. Coming off the popularity of Episode 3, the Legion experienced another growth surge, which was certainly felt locally. We also stepped the number of events into high gear, managing to have something going on for fifty out of fifty-two weeks, a record number of events for the garrison, which still stands.
2007 of course kicked off with a bang, as thirteen of our members were selected to participate in Lucasfilm’s entry into the Tournament of Roses Parade held on January 1. Starting with a parade seemed to set a precedent and we move on to do parades in Clovis, Hughson, and Auburn, winning first place awards in both Hughson and Auburn.
We did a little bit of everything in 2008, from participating in a Flag Retirement Ceremony with the Cub Scouts, to visits to hospitals, to making our first appearance in the Modesto Light Parade.
2009 was another busy year for us. A return to the Modesto Light Parade, the Auburn Light parade, Star Wars in Concert coming to Sacramento, as well as concerts using Star Wars themes in Fresno and Modesto. We also made our first appearances in the Citrus Heights Red, White, and Blue parade, and Sacramento’s Santa Parade.
A look at 2010 and the coming future really tells us that there’s no end in sight and as long as the public wants us, the Central California Garrison will be around to keep Star Wars in the public eye in the central valley.
Stats:
As of this writing, our operating roster is 113 members
Our average turn out for troopers at events is 8-10 troopers per event.
The Central California Garrison operates within the following California Counties:
Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Inyo, Kings, Lassen, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Modoc, Mono, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Shasta, Sierra, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Tulare, Tuolumne, Yolo, Yuba
We are neighbored by the following garrisons:
To the North: Cloud City Garrison
To the West: Golden Gate Garrison
To the South: Southern California Garrison
To the East: Neon City Garrison