STAR WARS EARLY PEEK AT FIESTA

Yoda, Darth Vader balloons to see an early inflate Oct. 5 as Balloon Fiesta nears.

Star Wars fans and special shapes aficionados shouldn’t miss the free inflation event of the Darth Vader and Yoda hot air balloons at the AndersonAbruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum.

The wildly popular balloon duo will be on display from 8-11 a.m. next Friday, weather permitting, organizers said in a news release.

The event, titled “Darth and Yoda: Choose Your Side,” is free to the public. Groups of 15 or more should contact Roxanne Tuong, museum educator, at 505-768-6020 or by email, RTuong@cabq.gov, in advance.

Individuals and smaller groups can just show up. Visitors can meet the balloon pilots and crew members, and droid BB-8 for a photo opportunity, and radio-controlled hot air balloon demonstrations with guest pilot Chewbacca, organizers said.

Costumes are welcome, but blasters are not permitted at this event, they added.

Upon arrival at the museum, school and tour groups will proceed to Tosche Station (the east gate) to gain admittance (signs and Rebel scum or Imperial forces will provide direction) to receive Imperial Access Permits, which will help guide visitors through the “Darth and Yoda: Choose Your Side” experience.

The remainder can present themselves at the museum’s main blast doors to obtain an Imperial Access Permit.