DOWNEY – Downey families were able to join the rebels in the defeat of the empire as the Columbia Memorial Space center hosted a Star Wars themed Family Game Night event Saturday. 

CMSC has hosted Family Game Night events in the past, however it was not as widely emphasized on science. Center Supervisor Sandra Valencia said the theme of this year’s event tied directly into "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" which released earlier in the week. 

“We have a lot of our staff members who are Star Wars fans as well,” said Valencia.  

Activities included various games, karaoke, and holiday crafts, as well the opportunity for attendees to create “Star Wars tools” and go head to head as either the Rebels or Imperials in “Battle Bots.”

Briana House, activities specialist at CMSC, said that she focused heavily on the “maker’s stations” when planning the event.

“No rules! I wanted them to do whatever they wanted to build and create,” said House. “…all of my materials are done and gone. They were depleted within the first hour so I’m going to take that as a good sign.”

This event is just one more feather in the cap of Downey’s popular space museum, which has seen much growth in programming, community outreach, and attendance in the past few years under the lead of Center President and Director Ben Dickow. 

“I know we’re so field trip based, but I think it’s good to reach out to the community and do other things like Family Game Night,” said House. “…I hope we do more of this…”

For more information on Columbia Memorial and its programs and upcoming events, please visit columbiaspacescience.org.