1. How did you get asked to be a queen on the float?

I recently got a job working at LucasFilm after a few years of convention volunteer work and watching the job postings.

In the first week of working there I ran into Mary Franklin who I knew from volunteering and she asked me if I would like to be in the Rose Parade. I was just lucky, I was in the right place at the right time and the right size.

2. What outfit exactly will you be wearing? Have you worn Star Wars costumes before -- if so what and where?

I will be wearing the Black Post-Senate Gown from Episode 1, from the scene in the Cancellors office where they are discussing her recent speech in the senate. A few years ago my mom and I made the blue dress Padme wore in the deleted scene from Episode 2. I've worn it at a few conventions including Celebration 3 and Comic-Con.

3. What are your duties as a float queen? Which float are you on?

I'm not really sure what all my duties are. I guess I'll just be up there looking Queenly and waving. I'll be on the Naboo float... since it wouldn't make much sense to have Padme on Endor.

4. Have you been on a float in a parade before? If so, what were the circumstances?

Nope, I'm not Rose Parade royalty. Just a fan who got lucky.

5. Why are you excited to be on the Star Wars float?

Of course I'm excited! This is going to be one of the coolest things I'll ever get to do. Not to mention I'm really enjoying all the additional attention I've been getting from everyone who's been visiting my blog and posting about me on costuming websites like rebellegion.com and padawansguide.com.

6. Why do you think fans will get a kick out of the floats?

The floats are usually very tame and uninspired. I think Star Wars floats will bring the freshness the Rose Parade will need. Just seeing a marching Stromtrooper gives me goose bumps and to hear the marching band playing Star Wars themes will be awesome.

7. What is the best part of being a queen on the float?

Getting to wear one of the actual dresses that Natalie Portman wore in the films (as well as getting to try on two other ones). This is something that so many fangirls would kill to do and I get to do it. I'm also really excited to meet so many other hardcore fans who will be marching along with the floats. It's also going to be amazing to get to see the floats up close and personal, if I wasn't doing this I'd be stuck at home watching it on TV.

Star Wars questions:

1. What is your first Star Wars memory?

Watching Empire in my cousin's room when I was around 4. Trying to open the action figures on the walls, then being kicked out of the room because they are "collectables" not toys.

2. Were you the kind of kid who would play with Star Wars toys?

See above...I tried. I think I'm more into the toys now though, I just built the Lego B-Wing!

3. Which Star Wars character do you identify with the most and why?

Han Solo. I really want to be bad and show off but I'm just nice on the inside. Plus the witty remarks and defensive nature we have that in common. Oh, and he's hot like me.

4. Which Star Wars film made you become a fan and why? Why do the films mean so much to you?

The old trilogy made me a fan but my boyfriend, Matt brought me into full nerdness. I loved going to the Fan-Force meeting and being able to talk with other people about the films. I learned so much just sitting around with a bunch of other nerds. Thanks Ventura County Fan-Force...HI Guys!!!

Comic-Con was the first time I was introduced to the community as a whole. Watching Steve Sansweet announce the title for Episode III and the fans going wild was amazing to be a part of. Then dressing up at Celebration III and helping out when George Lucas came to answer questions. The films are part of life for me now and I have met so many people through the Star Wars fan community that I would have never met otherwise. It is always growing and will always be around.

5. Why are you proud to call yourself a Star Wars fan? Why will Star Wars always be cool to you?

Star Wars is not Star Trek...that's why it will always be cool. And I am proud to call my self a Star Wars fan because it is a life-style and it is a community that I can depend on to be there. Whether to make me happy or just to make me think. Its not just a movie.

6. Additional comments about being a float queen?

Now that you have read this...I'm planning on seeing some "Hi Kelsey!" signs.