Date/Time
Date(s) - 2025-05-04
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location
San Mateo Public Library
Categories
[2025-05-04] May the Fourth Be With You | San Mateo | SUN May 4 ,2025 1:00 PM – 3:00 PMTeam Lead: Pat Yulo
Venue: San Mateo Public Library
Venue address: 55 W 3rd Ave San Mateo, California 94402
Arrival Time: noon
Appearance Start: 1PM
Appearance End: 3 PM
Event Website: https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/507/Library
Expected number of attendees: 120
Requested number of characters: any
Requested character types: Any
Secure changing/staging area: Yes, we have various rooms throughout the library. We have meeting rooms and a dressing room that can be used. The meeting rooms are large and the dressing room is smaller.
Handler/Photographer: Yes
Weapons/Masks: Please holster blasters. Lightsabers and helmets are fine.
Parking: There is garage parking next to the library and street parking. There is a public elevator from the garage to street level. There is also a staff elevator that goes directly to the library. For the staff elevator, you would need to call me by cell phone or either use the phone on the wall outside the elevator. The staff elevator is across from the public elevator. There are parking passes that I can email. Otherwise, parking in the garage is free up to 2 hours.
Amenities available at venue: restrooms and rooms to change are available. there are water fountains throughout the library.
Comments: This event will be held at the San Mateo Public Library. For children and families. There will be crafts and activities throughout the day.
Referred by: Fan Expo SF and invited 501st to May 4th last year
RSVP Date: May 3, 2025
—–UPDATES FROM EVENT REQUESTER—–
—–CARPOOL—–
Event Coordinator: Liz Milian
Decline Date2025-05-01
RSVPs
-
Costume Ticket
- Sharon Shaw (dz-10898) - DZ: Qi'Ra (Vandor)
- Ricky Resurreccion (74259) - IG: Imperial Weapons Technician
- Pat M. Yulo (TK-31039) - TK: Stormtrooper ANH Hero
- Elton Hom (2065) - TK: Stormtrooper ANH Stunt Handler Ticket
- Anton Yulo
- Elton Hom Photographer
- Elton Hom
Trooping
Sign ups are closed for this trooping event.
Comments
I can split time with my TK/Handle/Photog if we get more signups.
I’m going to bring Callie in her Mando and Anton will be her handler.
I can help as officer/handler for TKs
(from Pat M. Yulo’s mission report)
Event Details:
The troop started smoothly with the team arriving on-site. However, the communication from the event organizers could have been clearer, especially regarding details such as where to take the public elevator and the location of the dressing room. The dressing room, located on the way to the event, had a window that wasn’t blacked out, so the troopers had to dress on the opposite side of the window for privacy. Additionally, the room became quite stuffy, and we had to request the air conditioning be turned on.
Communication with the event lead was also unclear. We were told the “parade” would begin at 1:00 pm, but no one came to guide us or explain where to stand or position ourselves. In hindsight, I’ll plan to arrive 30 minutes earlier if I’m team lead and speak directly with the event requestor for clearer instructions.
Signage for the event was minimal, and the event room was located in the back of the library. After the kids participated in the parade, we moved to the Children’s Area, but it was quiet and uneventful, so we returned to the main room. By 2:00 pm, we started wandering the library to engage with patrons. At 2:30 pm, we returned to the main event room, only to find that the event decorations had already been cleaned up, despite the event officially lasting until 3:00 pm.
At this point, Callie joined the Mandos, allowing Anton to focus on handling for the 501st. Anton successfully communicated with the event contact, asked for clarification on certain details, and helped move the group around the library. With Anton as dedicated handler, Elton was able to troop the whole time.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, it was an easy troop with good accommodations. However, the communication with the event requestor could have been clearer, and there’s definitely room for improvement in the event’s coordination and logistics. If I’m leading a future troop like this, I’ll ensure to arrive earlier for better communication and a smoother experience.