Pool noodle lightsabers to free comics: Events in Lower Hudson Valley celebrate May 4th

This weekend is for “Star Wars” fans. The unofficial holiday, May the Fourth — also known as “Star Wars” Day — has inspired events across the area. The day just happens to also fall on Free Comic Book Day.

Several activities focus on children, crafts and, of course, comic books, providing space for families to celebrate their love of the movie series. Enjoy some of the “Star Wars” and Free Comic Book Day celebrations we found happening in Westchester and Rockland.

May the fourth be with you.

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Free paint-your-characters in Mount Vernon

The Mount Vernon shop Mrz. Hulk 4 Life Comics and Cards is planning a special paint-your-character event to celebrate Free Comic Book Day. Kids can come and paint their own versions of comic book characters — and they may receive a free comic book, too.

When: 12 to 6 p.m., Saturday, May 4.

Where: 5 West Prospect Ave., Mount Vernon.

For more information: Check out mrzhulk4life.com.

'Star Wars' crafts and trivia in Tappan

This kids night out with Green STEAM Lab is doing “Star Wars” themed crafts and trivia on Saturday. “Whether you're a Jedi master or a Sith lord,” Green STEAM Lab writes on its website, “This event is perfect for all Star Wars fans” — although the website suggests the event for grades one to four.

The admission fee for this activity is $20.

When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Saturday, May 4.

Where: Green STEAM Lab, 101 Main St., Tappan.

For more information: Check out bit.ly/3wtuP9s

Free comic books at Aw Yeah Harrison

Aw Yeah Comics in Harrison will be giving away comic books, providing discounts on purchases and doing artist meet-and-greets. Attendees may choose up to three comic books from their designated free comic book day selection. Special guests include artists Bill Walko and Dan Parent, who’ve worked on stories for Archie Comics, Jamar Nicholas, author of the “Leon the Extraordinary” series and several other artists.

When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, May 4.

Where: 313 Halstead Ave., Harrison.

For more information: Check out fb.me/e/3pABabu0f.

Make your own lightsaber at the Hudson River Museum

The Hudson River Museum will hold a family art workshop on Saturday, where attendees will be instructed on how to make lightsabers out of pool noodles, construction paper, glue, tape and markers. This free event is recommended for ages 4 and older.

When: 12 to 4 p.m., Saturday, May 4.

Where: The Greene Education Center at the Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers.

For more information: Check out hrm.org/events/family-art-workshop-lightsaber-noodles.

Free Comic Book Day at Riverfront Library in Yonkers

On Saturday, the Riverfront Library in Yonkers will be a Free Comic Book Day site. They will have free comic books available for kids of all ages while supplies last.

As a part of Riverfront Library’s Free Comic Book Day celebration, families can do a superhero craft for kids, babies and toddlers in Room 202. While supplies last, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., participants will have the chance to take a superhero-themed photo and decorate a frame for it. Learn more about the craft event at bit.ly/4a2kAXp.

When: All day, Saturday, May 4.

Where: The children’s reading tables at Riverfront Library, 1 Larkin Center, Yonkers.

For more information: Check out ypl.org/event/free-comic-book-day-2024-46340.

Free comic books at New York Hard Core (NYHC) Comics in Dobbs Ferry

Located in downtown Dobbs Ferry, NYHC Comics will be having an in-store sale and giving out free comic books for the day. It will be “a party to remember,” according the store’s website.

When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, May 4.

Where: 117 Main St., Dobbs Ferry.

For more information: Check out fb.me/e/75NO79mdG.

'May the 4th Be With You' virtual run

The organization Virtual Run Events powered by Moon Joggers is celebrating “Star Wars Day” with its seventh annual “May the Fourth Be With You” virtual run (or walk). The event offers a variety of distances and donates a portion of the proceeds from the event to charity. 15 percent of each $20 sign-up fee will be donated to Soles4Souls, which provides shoes and clothing for people experiencing economic hardship or a crisis.

When: Any time between May 1 and May 31.

Where: Online.

For more information: Check out bit.ly/4bn6l0K.

Grab ‘n’ Go comic books in Yonkers

Crestwood Library in Yonkers will be giving away free comic books, graphic novels for Free Comic Book Day and teaching kids to use Comics Plus, which provides online access to comic books and graphic novels free with a library card. Adults won’t be left out, though. Crestwood Library is also holding a “Star Wars” books grab ‘n’ go and raffles.

Comic book and “Star Wars” costumes are encouraged for both of these free events.

When: All day, Saturday, May 4.

Where: Children’s computer and adult’s computer areas at Crestwood Library, 16 Thompson Street, Yonkers.

For more information: Check out bit.ly/4bjFBhA for the children’s grab n’ go and bit.ly/4b1MPqw for the "Star Wars" grab n’ go.

Samantha Antrum is the community news and outreach reporter for The Journal News. She covers cultural and social justice issues and events. You can reach her at santrum@lohud.com.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Celebrate May the 4th, Free Comic Book Day in Rockland, Westchester NY