Billy Dee Williams will participate in Rancho Cucamonga Library event!

Ontario, California – The Greater Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau has announced their partnership in the annual Star Wars Reads event in Rancho Cucamonga.   As the destination marketing organization to promote visits, especially overnight stays, to the cities of Rancho Cucamonga and Ontario, the Greater Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau understood the potential for adding an additional day to an already successful event hosted by the Rancho Cucamonga Library for the past eight years.  The Star Wars fan base is huge and providing them a place to gather to enjoy the comradery will be an economic advantage to the City of Rancho Cucamonga.  In addition, Victoria Gardens shopping mall has partnered with the event to allow more space for additional activities.

The Star Wars Reads literacy program at the Rancho Cucamonga Library at Victoria Gardens will host a 2 day event over the Memorial Day weekend – May 28 and May 29.  Thousands of Star War fans will come together to enjoy a free, fun, family time with several entertainment options.  The annual literacy campaign promotes reading.  It is an honor to have Billy Dee Williams join the program this year.   On Sunday a limited number of people will have the opportunity to see him during “A Conversation with Billy Dee Williams” at the Lewis Family Playhouse.  Then he will read to the crowd outside the theatre – gee I wonder what furry friend will be joining him for story time reading of “Where the Wild Things Are”.

[ecko_quote source=”Melina Ferraez – Victoria Gardens Director of Marketin”]“This annual event is the largest Star Wars event held by any California Public Library and we are thrilled to be a part of it. The goal of this event is to inspire young readers to discover a life-long passion for reading by transforming reading into a memorable, fun, and exciting activity.”[/ecko_quote]

Guests are encouraged to dress up as their favorite Star Wars characters to be entered in the various costume contests hosted throughout the event. Activities surrounding the two-day event include planned readings from some of the most popular Star Wars characters including Darth Vader and Chewbacca, live performances by Jedi Elvis and the Claremont Orchestra, a light saber duel, a full screening of Star Wars: The Force Awakens and the much anticipated appearance by Billy Dee Williams, among other activities.

The event is free and open to the public. Tickets will only be required for the Billy Dee Williams guest appearance. Mr. Williams will appear in the Lewis Family Playhouse on Sunday, May 29 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets will be released the morning of the event at the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center Box Office starting at 10:00 a.m. Please note that the ticket line will not open until 8:00 a.m. Two tickets will be allowed per person. Guests must appear in person and be 16 years or older to receive tickets. There will be no phone or online ticket orders. For more information about tickets, please visit www.cityofrc.us/starwarsreads.

Born William December Williams, Jr. in Harlem, he began his career as a child, thanks in part to his mother, an elevator operator at Broadway’s Lyceum Theater. When she discovered that a production of “The Firebrand of Florence” starring Lotte Lenya needed youngsters, she volunteered her son.  Several years later, he was cast as real-life football player Gale Sayers in the seminal TV movie “Brian’s Song” and Williams’ career took flight.

As the 80’s dawned, George Lucas tapped him to play the scoundrel Lando Calrissian in “The Empire Strikes Back” which he reprised in “The Return of the Jedi”. He also played the district attorney Harvey Dent in 1989’s “Batman”.   During this period, the actor, who became financially secure thanks to the success of the “Star Wars” films, resumed his avocation as a painter and had several exhibitions of his work.  He also trademarked the image of “THE COLT 45 GUY”, marketing beer with his smooth style in well-made, entertaining commercials.

In 2006 the NAACP recognized Mr. Williams for his immense contribution to the arts by awarding him the Lifetime Achievement Award, and he continues to work in stage, film and television roles that interest and challenge him.  His recent television appearances have included “NCIS” and “Modern Family.” Mr. Williams continues to keep busy doing various voice-over work on shows such as “Robot Chicken” and “Star Wars Rebels.”

More information with details on tickets for Billy Dee Williams and the calendar of events will be provided on May 4, 2016.  For more information visit: https://www.cityofrc.us/cals/default.asp

The Greater Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization to promote the cities of Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga California to visitors nationally and internationally.  As destination experts we provide groups and meeting professionals with an unbiased, comprehensive resource when booking a tour, convention, meeting or event within the cities of Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga, California.  Ideal for leisure and business travel, the region boasts scenic mountains, deserts, vineyards and metropolitan areas that are both historic and cosmopolitan in character. For meeting needs of all sizes – from a conference room to a citywide convention utilizing the Ontario Convention Center – or for a special exposition or sporting event, the Greater Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau will provide the necessary destination support tools to execute a successful experience. Visit www.discoverontariocalifornia.org