Forest Moon Festival Commemorates the 40th Anniversary of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi

Press release from the Humboldt-Del Norte Film Commission:

Costumers jokingly check for cell service at film location site, Cheatham Grove [Photo Courtesy of the Humboldt-Del Norte Film Commission, photo by Mark McKenna]

On June 2nd and 3rd of 2023, the Humboldt-Del Norte Film Commission hosted the inaugural Forest Moon Festival, sponsored by Humboldt and Del Norte Counties. It commemorated the 40th Anniversary of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, the Star Wars which featured Humboldt and Del Norte Counties as the film locations for the forest moon of Endor, the final battleground between the Rebel Alliance and Galactic Empire in the movie.  The Forest Moon Festival took place throughout the Redwood Region with locations of the festivities spreading from the Smith River down to Redway and included City of Crescent City, Trinidad, Blue Lake, City of Arcata, City of Eureka, City of Fortuna.

Arts Alive [Photo Courtesy of the Humboldt-Del Norte Film Commission, photo by Mark McKenna]

“We could not have done this without the region’s help. It was a community event put on by the community for the community,” Film Commissioner, Cassandra Hesseltine states. “It has been so amazing to create the overall festival and watch it expand and grow into what it has in such a short amount of time due to all of those who contributed!”  The Film Commission thanks all those who were involved from Sponsors (Cal Poly Humboldt, City of Crescent City, Garberville Chamber, and City of Eureka) to those who participated with events (too many to name) to the out-of-town costumers (who volunteer and pay their own expenses to support community non-profit events) and volunteers (for their time and services).  The Film Commission would also like to thank their funders for making it possible to hold such an event on this historical anniversary.  

Arcata Farmers Market [Photo Courtesy of the Humboldt-Del Norte Film Commission, photo by Mark McKenna]

Attendees traveled far and wide to participate in the celebration.  “We talked with travelers from Ohio, Kentucky, San Diego, Alameda, and more…we even have a family from New Zealand who hope to make it next year!” reports Hesseltine.  Events had anywhere from hundreds to thousands depending on the event throughout the region.The Film Commission looks forward to connecting with all those that were involved with the inaugural event for feedback and getting started in year two with fresh ideas.  “We have been asked many times by the locals, attendees, and costumers if this will be an annual event and based on the enthusiasm, we can’t see how it could not be!” Hesseltine announces, “Funding and person power will make a difference on how much we can do, but we are hopeful this will just continue to grow each year.”

Cal Poly Humboldt [Photo Courtesy of the Humboldt-Del Norte Film Commission, photo by Mark McKenna]

For more information on last weekend’s event, visit the website www.forestmoonfestival.org.  Follow the Forest Moon Festival Facebook page and Instagram @forestmoonfestival to get all the latest updates and announcements.