Lucas will be the draw at "Star Wars" event in Indiana

Thousands are expected to converge on the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis today through Sunday to indulge in what for many is a lifelong obsession with the fictional universe that first came to life in 1977 with "Star Wars."

For many fans, the most important event at the convention will be Saturday's appearance by George Lucas.

Lucas created the real-life empire of "Star Wars" movies, toys, games, books, comics, clothing and thousands of collectible items.

And on May 19, the release of the sixth and final "Star Wars" film, "Revenge of the Sith," is expected to be one of the biggest movies of the year. The previous five collectively sold nearly $3.5 billion worth of tickets worldwide.

Home video releases (including a controversial box set that does not include the exact versions of the first three movies as shown in theaters), novels, comic books and games have multiplied Lucas' financial success many times over.

The many spinoffs are a powerful draw for the convention audience, who will buy, sell and trade with one another and hundreds of commercial exhibitors.

Yet Dan Flarida, 32, president of the Ohio Star Wars Collectors Club, says the appeal of the convention also is social.

"You meet different people online, you have relationships with people all over the world you collect with and trade with ... for the most part, this is the only time you see some of them."

Fans like Eric McCarthy, a Cincinnati firefighter and father of three, will represent costume groups — a booming segment of the "Star Wars" world.

He, like fellow members of the 501st Legion costuming group, has devoted countless hours and hundreds of dollars to creating authentic replica stormtrooper and Royal Guard costumes for himself.

"A lot of guys spend a lot of money on golfing or skiing," he says. "This is a hobby. ... I gave up toy collecting to do this."

The convention also is a magnet for autograph seekers, who will line up to collect signatures from about 60 actors — some of whom made a fleeting appearance in a single movie.

"Meeting the different actors, getting autographs, pictures, that's always been a big thrill for me — even when they were only on screen for a few minutes," says Rob Meyer, 32, of Anderson Township, Ohio.

Among the actors appearing: Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian), Kenny Baker (R2-D2), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), David Prowse (Darth Vader) and Ray Park (Darth Maul).

Lucas has declared he will make no more "Star Wars" films.

"It's sad that it's the last one," says Flarida. "But I know that I personally am going to try to get as much enjoyment out of this one that I can, just soak it all in and squeeze every ounce of pleasure out of the whole experience."