Blood red tape waved in a cool breeze as fans waited outside Regal Edwards Temecula Stadium 15 and IMAX Theaters for the premiere of “The Twilight: Breaking Dawn – Part 2.”
Local fans wait in the chilly air for the premier of the new Twilight movie. (Ashley Ludwig/SWRNN)
Whether you are Team Jacob or Team Edward, the crowd in front of the Temecula theater started buzzing way before dawn broke today.
Cailey Benard was first to arrive on the scene along with a bevy of friends.
“I got here about 2:45 a.m. and we’ve been camping out ever since. I’ve had these tickets for over a month, and gone to many premiers, but this is my first time as first in line,” Cailey said.
Fellow fan and premiere attendee Dewan Garney claimed he’d intended to be at the front of the line, but arrived about an hour too late. “I love going to premieres. It’s such a party out here.”
Many of the fans will be dressing up for the night’s festivities, though all are aware of changes and restrictions by the theaters after events from the Aurora, Colorado movie theater shooting last summer.
“People love to dress up, but everyone knows — no masks or backpacks,” Benard said.
Local radio station, KATY 101.3 FM will be on hand from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to play soundtracks from all Twilight films, while Regal Cinema will host a costume and trivia contest to give away Twilight-themed prizes in the spirit of the final film.
As of 11 a.m., the line was snaking the front of the Edwards cinema, with sleepy line-waiters curled up in blankets to ward off the windy chill. Die-hard premiere fans watched as the onslaught of Twilight marathon ticket-holders were swept inside the theaters.
“I bought my marathon movie tickets the minute I heard they went on sale,” said super-Twilight fan Maryln Claussen, proudly displaying her Breaking Dawn 2 souvenir lanyard. “ We’ve got our seats for the day already claimed with blankets and pillows. The theater staff has been wonderful, welcoming us in and answering all of our questions. It’s going to be a great day.”
The completely sold out the Twilight Saga Marathon, playing in two theaters, will treat viewers with the entire Twilight movie series, along with exclusive behind the scenes content between the films, and the promised finale: “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2.”
Janelle Truebe, employed by Promenade Temecula’s Yard House, sees the festival atmosphere as a potential to not just talk about: “When I proposed to my general manager that we bring out some appetizers for the crowd, he saw it as a great opportunity for promoting business.”
Engaged by Truebe’s ideas, line-waiter Justin Ogara of Temecula’s Manyk Energy drink agreed, saying: “It’s a party atmosphere and it’s a perfect opportunity to promote food and beverages, as well as the promised KATY radio and giveaways of later this afternoon.”
In the hours spent waiting, conversation ranged from books to movies and back to the books and rumors of a new and different ending to “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2.”
While Dewan Garney had his own ideas on how the ending might change, Benard said: “I don’t think Stephanie Meyer would let them completely change the story.”
Ashley Ludwig is a local writer and regular contributor to SWRNN.
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