Meet your favorite "Star Wars" characters without making a trip to a galaxy far, far away. On Saturday, March 21st, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., "Star Wars" characters will be meeting fans and posing for photos at Knoxville Zoo.

The day will also feature a "Jedi Training Camp" for aspiring Padawans that includes light saber training and special instructions on how to use The Force, allowing each child to leave a certified Jedi knight.

Visitors are encouraged to wear their own "Star Wars" attire to celebrate the occasion. Children ages 12 and under who come dressed as their favorite Star Wars character will receive free admission with a paid adult admission (limit one free child admission per adult admission). The opportunity to meet "Star Wars" characters is included with general zoo admission.

Knoxville Zoo will bring the big screen to life with help from the MidSouth Garrison of the 501st Legion, the preferred costuming organization of Lucasfilm Ltd., producer of the "Star Wars" film series.

Knoxville Zoo is Knoxville's largest year-round attraction. Located off exit 392A from Interstate 40, the zoo is open every day except Christmas Day. Knoxville Zoo is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is committed to the highest standards in animal care and well-being, ethics, conservation, and education. Currently, the zoo is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Admission and ticket sales stop one-hour before the zoo closes. Next-day admission is free after 3 p.m. For more information, please call 865-637-5331 or visit www.knoxvillezoo.org.