Star Wars Day Canceled Again By Joliet Public Library

JOLIET, IL — The Joliet Public Library announced Monday morning that the 2021 Star Wars Day event will be canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the library’s construction plans. The event is typically held on the first Saturday of June.

Star Wars Day, which started in 2010 by Joliet Public Library staff, is an event that brings more than 10,000 people to downtown Joliet and features a parade of costumed characters, food and merchandise vendors, games and programs at the Library, Rialto Square Theatre and Joliet Area Historical Museum.

The large crowds coupled with the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic is one of the reasons that led event organizers to decide not to have it again. The Joliet Public Library also canceled the event in 2020.

The last Star Wars Day occurred in June 2019, the 10th anniversary event.

"Not only are the concerns due to COVID-19, the health of the visitors and staff and the impact on our sponsors and partners, but also because the library will be heavily under construction at the time of the event for Project Burnham," Joliet Public Library Megan Millen said in Monday's news release.

Project Burnham is the library’s plan to remodel the interior of the Ottawa Street Branch. Construction is expected to begin later this month. By June, much of the indoor and outdoor space used for Star Wars Day will be unavailable for public access due to construction.

“We understand this is a disappointing decision for the many fans of Star Wars Day,” Millen said. “Staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly over the last 10 years to bring a fun and exciting summer event to downtown Joliet.”