The Central California Garrison is a regional unit of the 501st Legion.
The 501st Legion is an international STAR WARS™ costuming organization dedicated to celebrating the STAR WARS universe through the creation, display, and wearing of quality character costumes that represent the villainous characters from the STAR WARS sagas.
The 501st Legion promotes interest in STAR WARS and facilitates the use of these costumes for STAR WARS-related events as well as contributes to the local community through costumed charity and volunteer work. Since 1997, the 501st Legion has spread the magic of the Star Wars genre worldwide and has become the leading force in fan-based charity events. The 501st, also known as “Vader’s Fist,” is truly dedicated to brightening the lives of those less-fortunate.
The region covered by the Central California Garrison was originally part of the Golden Gate Garrison. In 2001, Legion Command, with the support of the Golden Gate Garrison, approved the creation of the Central California Garrison; a group to cover East of the Coastal Mountains and North of the Fresno area.
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.
Q. What type of events does your group attend?
A: The Central California Garrison makes appearances at events ranging from media conventions and sporting events, to charity services and children's hospital visits. For more info on events, see the 501st Legion's EVENTS page. For a list of upcoming events that CCG will be attending, please see the "Troop Orders" listed on the Home page.
Q. Does your group charge or ask for anything in return for appearances?
A: Our group exists as a volunteer organization. We simply ask for access to an event and a place to change and store our costumes. While we do not charge a fee for appearances (public or private), we enthusiastically welcome donations made to your favorite charity in the name of the 501st Legion. If you do not have a charity of choice, we would happily provide you with a list of some of our favorite charities.
Q. If I would like the Central California Garrison branch of the 501st to participate in an event, whom do I contact?
A: If you would like our group to participate at an event, please complete an APPEARANCE REQUEST FORM.
Q: I really like your costumes. Where do I buy one?
A: Generally speaking, our members make their own costumes. The best places to check into the availability or construction information about a costume is via the appropriate ‘Detachment’ forums of the 501st. These subunits exist as a base of information regarding specific costumes. Once you've settled on a character it's just a matter of heading over to that Detachment's forum, signing up, and getting help from the experts. For a listing of the Detachments, please visit the RESOURCES page on 501st.com. NOTE: Star Wars costumes that are commercially available in stores or online may not be acceptable for membership! It is recommended that you contact your Garrison Membership Liaison before purchasing a retail costume to find out if it is accepted or what modifications might be required.
Q: What are the guidelines regarding my costume?
A: Costumes must be accurate recreations of Villain costumes from the Star Wars Universe. Costumes must be complete, containing all the parts in good working order and appearance. In essence, the costume you wear must be accurate to the source material. Custom modifications to your costume, such as adding decals, stickers or a modified paint scheme will render your costume ineligible for Legion membership. Although the 501st is a fan-based organization, we pride ourselves in our professionalism regarding the quality and authenticity of our costumes.
Q. What memberships requirements does the 501st have?
A. Members must be 18 years of age or older and own a high-quality costume representing any of the "bad guy" characters from the Star Wars universe. You can find a list of currently recognized costumes in the VISUAL GUIDES section of the Legion's website. There are no fees and the only requirements pertain to costume quality and the amount of events attended. Members must participate in costume a minimum of one event each calendar year. For more information on the goals of the club, read the MISSION STATEMENT.
Q. Can I be one of the "good guys"?
A. Absolutely, but not as a member of the 501st. If you are interested in costuming as a "good guy" from the Star Wars universe, you can find info from our sister group, the REBEL LEGION. Many in our group are members of both legions.
Q. How do I make contact with a local affiliation of the 501st?
A. The Central California Garrison covers California’s Central Valley from Fresno to Redding. Please refer to our MEMBERS page on this site to contact the appropriate personnel. If you live in another area and wish to locate your local garrison, please visit the 501st's GARRISONS link. Click the state or area within a state for local Garrison contacts.
Q. How do I join the 501st and whom do I contact for membership?
A. Visit the 501st Legion website page: JOIN US. Please refer to the gallery page on the same site to locate your nearest local Garrison, you will be assigned there. You will be contacted by your Garrison's Membership Liaison (GML) once your application has been processed. Note: To register and use the database you must have a valid e-mail address.
Q. Can Minor's join the 501st?
A: You must be at least 18 years of age to join the 501st legion. If you are under 18, please check out the GALACTIC ACADEMY, a group created for our younger cadets.
Q. Is your group affiliated with Lucasfilm?
A. The 501st Legion is a fan based costuming group inspired by the Star Wars saga. While not sponsored by Lucasfilm LLC, it is Lucasfilm's preferred Imperial costuming group. The Star Wars name, logo, trademarks and characters are all property of Lucasfilm, LLC.
