Well, TFN was in Times Square, New York and I (Carter) have to hand it to the folks at Toys "R" Us for putting on quite a show. Upon arrival at 10:15 pm, there was already a line stretching down the block. Fans were dressed up in costume, in SW clothing and memorabilia, and there were some costumed employees on hand staging mock lightsaber fights and giving out free snacks to help pass the time.

The first fans in line, Cristina Jara and Elizabeth McPartland, had been waiting since 12pm earlier in the day and a brief downpour in the evening didn't weather their spirits.

Toys "R" Us allowed me early access to preview the Episode II section and snap a few pics while preparations were still being made and employees putting the finishing touches on all the displays.

The highlight of the section were the Jango Fett and Clonetrooper models from Lucasfilm in the center of the the display floor. Equally impressive was a full-size Jango Fett made entirely out of LEGO. There was also a lightsaber model from LFL. But as impressive as they were, you didn't go to see the models, you go for the Star Wars toys and there were plenty of them, all neatly stacked and awaiting their new owners in the legion of waiting fans waiting anxiously outside.

There were a few celebs and corporate executives from Toys "R" Us on hand fielding questions from the media. As everyone awaited the final minutes to the midnight hour, there were plenty of employees available to guide the fans and offer their assistance.

As midnight hit, blocks of fans were allowed in the store and everyone rushed to the Star Wars section which was cordoned off. There was a ribbon cutting ceremony with the costumed employees and a Toys "R" Us executive christened the new Star Wars Episode II section announcing the opening of midnight madness. The Star Wars fanfare/ Across the Stars love theme blasted over the loudspeakers and the mad rush for toys began!

We snapped a few pics below chronicling the fun and excitement.

Toys "R" Us, Times Square
Fans lining up
Cristina Jara and Elizabeth McPartland, the first ones in line
A Clonetrooper keeps the fans in line
TRU employees making preparations
More behind the scenes preparation
TRU PR Kelly Cullen flanked by Dan Milan, creator of Fox's Greg the Bunny and actor Seth Green
Entrance into the Star Wars chamber!
Jango Fett model with 2 Clonetroopers from Lucasfilm
Jango and Clonetroopers, side view
Jango Fett model, full image
Jango Fett model, closer in
Close-up of Clonetrooper model
Action figures galore!
12 inch action figures, the calm before the storm
Star Wars LEGO on shelves
ObiWan display with deluxe action figures
Some Jango Fett skateboards
A full size Jango Fett made out of LEGO
Jango Fett LEGO, close-up
Lightsaber model from Lucasfilm flanked by Anakin and Padme signage
Lightsaber prop, closer in
A lone Jedi protecting the bounty of Star Wars merchandise from e-vile
The mad dash to the Star Wars section
Fans scrambling for action figures
Empty pegs needing restocking

If you didn't get what you wanted the first time around, you'll eventually find what you want over time so don't get discouraged.

At this time, we'd like to thank Toys "R" Us for giving TFN early access to their display and all the personnel who made the event a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone. And if you're ever in NYC, make sure you stop by the Times Square store and tell them Jango Fett sent ya!

Reported by Carter for TFN