Star Wars is one of the foremost sci-fi stories in film history, unparalleled by anything beyond perhaps Alien or Star Trek. And any Star Wars fan worth his or her salt will know about May 4.

That’s the day that everything comes to a head as Star Wars Day, where the Star Wars fandom gets to celebrate their favorite saga with a day of costuming and activities.

May 4 is considered a holiday by Star Wars fans to celebrate the franchise’s films series, books and culture.

The date was chosen as “May the 4th” due to its sounding similar to the series’ phrase “may the Force be with you” in which fans commonly say “May the fourth be with you”.

The reference was first used on May 4, 1979 when Margaret Thatcher’s political party placed an advertisement in The London Evening News following her taking office as Prime Minister that stated “May the Fourth Be with You, Maggie. Congratulations.”

In 2011, the first organized celebration of Star Wars Day took place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada at the Toronto Underground Cinema.

Being its brand new owner, Disney has taken Star Wars Day very seriously, setting up at least three programs nationally to celebrate its new saga.

Star Wars: The Card Game Regional Championship

Roseville, MN

Decide the fate of the Star Wars galaxy at the Star Wars: The Card Game Regional Championship. This premier event is your chance to test your skills against the best players in the region and compete for exclusive prizes, including a bye at the 2014 North American Championship.

           May the 4th with Jeffrey Brown at Aww Yeah Comics

Aww Yeah Comics, Skokie, IL 60077]

Celebrate May 4 with Jeffrey Brown, author of Darth Vader and Son and Vader’s Little Princess at Aww Yeah Comics in Skokie, IL.

          Ways of the Force at Disney Store

Select Disney Store locations nationwide. Guests are encouraged to call their local Disney Store for specific details.

Kids ages 3 and up are invited to Disney Store locations nationwide to learn about the characters and story of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. Their adventure will help them learn about the ways of the Force through fun activities, culminating with a Medal of Bravery ceremony.

The festivities won’t stop there as many fans are having Star Wars movie marathons with friends and family.

Junior Susan Mijangos is one such girl that’s taking part in the celebration as a new fan. She’ll be spending the evening of May 4th watching the Star Wars Saga with friends.

“I’ve never seen a single one so i’m excited to be initiated into the the sci-fi club,” Mijangos said.

She’s among many others who have yet to join in on their friends on the festivities.

Star Wars fans worldwide are jumping out of their skin for the upcoming Episode 7 of the saga that releases on December 15 of 2015.

The episode will include many lesser-known actors including John Boyega, who is known for his 2011 film Attack the Block and Adam Driver, who very well might play the villain. Original cast members Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher will also be in the movie.

It’s bound to be a ton of fun and of huge benefit to Star Wars Day. So get out there and celebrate with the fandom. May the force – or fourth – be with you.