Submitted by Justin Youtz, of Boy Scout Troop 501 in Woodbridge:

Friends of Boy Scout Troop 501 is hosting Star Wars Days on December 3 and 4, 2016, at Gar-Field High School, 14000 Smoketown Road in Woodbridge.

Star Wars Days is a family friendly, fan convention for all things Star Wars, science fiction, comics, anime, cosplay, scouting, art and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).

Boy Scout Troop 501 was named after the 501st Legion in the Star Wars universe. Scouts in Troop 501 are huge Star Wars and science fiction fans, as well as, being students interested in STEM subjects.

A fan convention is a perfect way to celebrate all of these areas, in addition to being the annual fundraiser for Troop 501. Boy Scouts from Troop 501, along with their families, are responsible for locating vendors, promoting the event and working as staff at the convention.

Any profit from the event is shared with scouts to fund their scouting trips and training materials, community service projects, equipment, and uniforms.

It is the second year for the Star Wars Days event. Fans of every age are expected to attend, including members of the 501st Legion (a local Star Wars cosplay group).

Vendors are from Virginia, Washington, D.C., Maryland, and other states, and they will offer unique and fan items. New this year at the event are food trucks, including “Stay Cheesy,” a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich maker.

Winners of the Star Wars costume contest (adult and child) will receive cash prizes. There is a children’s area with theme craft items, artists will lead drawing activities, STEM area including 3D printers, demonstrations – from light saber fighting to rocket launches – and panel discussions. Boys Scouts may also sign up for specific merit badge classes and Cub Scouts can complete some advancement activities.

Advance tickets are available online at starwarsdays.com; click on the button at the top left of the page to pay by credit card. Advance tickets are $7 for Saturday or Sunday, or $12 for both days (plus service fee). Children age four and under are free. Tickets are $10 at the door. One-of-a-kind Star Wars Days t-shirts show posters and patches are also available for purchase.