FORKS — Forever Twilight begins today with a full slate of activities through Sunday, all based on the fictional vampire novels of the Twilight Saga.
The annual celebration highlights the town in which author Stephenie Meyer set her four novels released from 2005 through 2008, about a romance between 17-year-old Isabella Swan, a mortal, and 104-year-old vampire Edward Cullen — all of which spawned five movies.
The Forever Twilight festival in Forks always is scheduled to be on the weekend closest to Bella Swan’s fictional birthday of Sept. 13.
Although the site was never used for filming the movies, there are places to see around town — the Forever Twilight in Forks Collection at the Rainforest Arts Center at 35 N. Forks Ave., which displays props and costumes from Twilight-themed movies; the Cullen and Swan houses, which represent the structures described in the books; and other points of interest.
Those sites are available for touring year-round, but during the festival, the four days are packed with activities, including Fandom Family Photos at Fern Acres, a Twilight Renaissance Faire, a costume contest, a question-and-answer panel, visits to the beach, a birthday cake and special guests who starred in Twilight-themed movies.
Twilight Saga actor special guests are Billy Burkee, who has played Police Chief Charlie Swan; Maggie Grace, who has portrayed Irina; and Erik Odom, who has performed the role of Peter.
Also expected is Brandon Christy, who is known as Cat Guy after playing an extra in the first Twilight movie.
The 400 Very Important Twilighters tickets, which provide access to all events, sold out soon after they became available in January, but there are also some single-ticket events and meals hosted by the Forks Elks Club, the Congregational Church and the American Legion.
Some arrived early for pre-festival events on Wednesday.
The condensed schedule of events can be found at local retailers and restaurants, as well as at the Forks Chamber of Commerce Visitor Information Center at 1411 S. Forks Ave.
Forever Twilight in Forks is created by the Forks Chamber of Commerce as well as a group of volunteer planners based in Forks, all over the United States and internationally, according to the festival’s website at ForksWA.com/FTFFestival.
Visitors have flocked to Forks since 2006 and the annual festivals have drawn thousands form all over the world.
The full schedule of both free and ticketed events can be found at ForksWA.com/FTFFestival.
