Star Wars movie line all the way to Common Grounds awaiting 12:01 a.m.
8:37 P.M. SHANNON THEATRE, MAIN STREET - Harrison Ford wasn’t standing in line, but Leah was there. (Leah Conley, not Princess Leah.)
So was a force of fans awaiting the one-minute after midnight premier of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”
The CNB time-temp read 37 degrees as people bundled and huddled up all the way from the Shannon Theatre to Common Grounds, patiently killing time until ticket sales start at 11:30 p.m.
The first two to arrive in line were the brother-sister team of Josiah and Leah Conley. They arrived at 5:30 p.m. Josiah is junior at Bluffton University. Leah is a sophomore at Bluffton High School.
With them, in a circle of lawn chairs, discarded food containers, blankets and playing cards were Nathan Diller, Timothy Huber, Ashley Michel and James Siverling.
Behind them stood dozens and dozens of Star War fans who arrived from 5:40 p.m. on - Zachary Basinger was number three in line - into the evening to be one of the 275 to buy tickets to the premier.
Talking with Josiah and Leah, The Icon learned that Josiah has probably watched Star War movies “at least 20 times.” For Leah, that number falls somewhere between 10 to 15.
Here’s some other answers the Conleys provided to the Icon’s questioning about their fascination with this movie series:
What’s your favorite Star War’s line?
After a brief consultation, the two agreed it was Yoda’s quote from “The Empire Strikes Back:” “Do or do not. There is no try.” Neither brother nor sister were born when than now-famous statement blurted from the silver screen.
Where will you sit in the theatre?
Josiah: Mid-section.
Leah: Left front side, with my feet in the aisle.
Do you know how this movie will end?
Josiah and Leah both said they’ve stayed off the Internet on purpose and, “We really don’t know what to expect.”
What movie premier would one of your younger siblings be first in line to see?
After another brief consult, it was agreed that their sister Gracie, 8, would probably be first in line to watch the premier of “How to Train a Dragon, III.” (There are six Conley children.)
What’s the draw to this movie?
Josiah: Nostalgia. Adventure.
Are you looking forward to see Harrison Ford in the movie?
Josiah: Definitely. I predict 30 seconds of fan applause.
Finally, what snack will you buy to watch the movie?
Josiah: Probably the large tub.
Leah: I’m good. I’ve been eating out here.
With that, we headed for a warm car, as a game of Euchre started. It was not yet 9 p.m.
Stories Posted This Week
Friday, October 9, 2026
- Pirate girls soccer loss vs. St. Marys
- Pirate volleyball sweeps Carey
- “The Trumpet Player” sculpture at Bluffton University receives conservation grant
- October 9 Bluffton Schools athletics lineup, streaming
- Plenty of action at Oct 10 Dillinger robbery reenactment and motorcycle show
- Caitlyn Couch junior piano recital, October 16
- Bluffton community survey opens for Active Transportation Plan
Thursday, October 8, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines on Thursday, October 8
- St. John Bible Church to host "Refocus on Purpose" workshop
- Royal riches: Gout
- Has Bluffton made a birder out of you?
- BPL Afterschool activity: Curious Kids Club
- Book and pizza tasting at Bluffton Public Library
- Final 50 for 250 performance at BPL
- Walking through the Suter Corn Maze
- Resident feedback sought for Regional Transportation Plan
- Bluffton University honors three for service, achievement and leadership
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
- Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce monthly meeting, Friday, Oct. 9
- Fire extinguished at SRK Industries, plant resumed operation same day
- Bluffton girls tie Grove in NWC showdown
- Pirate volleyball falls to powerhouse Patriots
- BHS GOAT: Latin teacher Margaret Weaver
- Library patrons invited to showcase their collections or causes
- September 2026 land transfers in the Bluffton school district