SAN ANTONIO – The force was strong across San Antonio Wednesday night as Carrie Fisher fans lit their lightsabers and flocked to Alamo Drafthouse locations for lightsaber vigils. It was a chance to say goodbye to the princess who will never be forgotten.
For many she was movie royalty, a role model and a part of the family.
"I'm holding a little action figure of Princess Leia when she got caught by Jabba the Hutt," said young Princess Leia fan Marissa Bermea. "I want to make sure I hold this figure and my lightsaber to make sure she has good respects."
With lightsabers raised to a galaxy far far away dozens of loving fans stood for a minute of silence at the Park North Alamo Drafthouse, in memory of Carrie Fisher.
Her death was a tough loss for people of all ages.
"She absolutely loves Star Wars," Greg Platts said, holding onto his 3-year-old daughter, Julia. "When she found out, she was in disbelief that Carrie Fisher died. She's like, no. Princess Leia's alive, no. Right?"
"Yes," Julia nodded.
Fisher was an important character and woman who many girls will forever look up to.
"She paved the way for a lot of us," the vigil organizer said as she addressed the crowd.
"She was such a strong woman character especially for the first time and she stole the show for so many people," Platts said.
She stole the show both on screen and in real life.
"That was just her. Funny and kind and she was our princess," Yolanda Bermea said.
The Park North Alamo Drafthouse will be collecting donations through Sunday for the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of San Antonio. Carrie Fisher was open about her battle with bipolar disorder and spent her life championing causes to help those with mental illness.
For more information on DBSA, click here.
The Alamo Drafthouse will be have free showings of the Fisher movie The Blues Brothers Friday, Saturday and Sunday.