Alpine resident Ruben Camerino, 47, dressed as a Star Wars Stormtrooper character and won 3rd place at this year’s 4th of July parade.
Camerino is a member of the 501st Legion/Imperial Sands Garrison, a worldwide Star Wars costuming organization.
Camerino will also be attending the 50th Comic Con International: San Diego event at the San Diego Convention Center later this month as a sandtrooper and a stormtrooper. He has been attending since he was 10 year-old, he says.
But, Camerino isn’t the only Star Wars’ enthusiast in the area. Pastor Brendan Prout, 46, of Quest Church will be manning a booth, MZ14, for the San Diego Star Wars Society at the convention center.
“There are a few Alpine residents who are a part of the San Diego Star Wars Society,” Prout said.
The society is a family-friendly non-profit founded in 2002. They officially represent Lucasfilm at Comic Con Inter-national: San Diego hosting the Star Wars Trivia Contest Panel. The society raised $150,000 last year for a variety of charities. All ages are welcome to the club and membership is free.
Prout will also be involved with coordinating Star Wars’ cast members for public autographs at their booth.
The club also coordinated with the San Diego Padres to create Star Wars day at their games. The society will participate in the Holiday Bowl this fall and other events around the region. The group has also participated in the Rose Bowl Parade.
“This is my 34th Comic Con,” said Prout. Prout, who wears Star Wars based costumes such as a stormtrooper, jedi, and imperial officer, noted costumes, to be judged, have to have screen accuracy.
“You have to go for screen accuracy that is judged and vetted by Lucasfilm,” said Prout, adding that a Jedi costume costs about $800.
The stormtrooper’s costumes have to be accurate right down to the stormtrooper’s undergarments. “It resembles a full body lycra work-out suit.”
