The Western Kentucky Saber Guild is used to drawing attention with their high-energy lightsaber battles, but performing at a Western Kentucky University basketball game was a new level of exposure.
The group was invited to participate in WKU’s recent Star Wars Night, where they interacted with fans, performed a lightsaber duel at halftime, and created a red saber tunnel for players to run through. According to guild member Amanda McFarland, it was the largest crowd they’ve ever performed for — and it was broadcast live on ESPN+ and Disney+.
“We were really excited,” McFarland said. “Our group’s founder actually graduated from WKU twice, so it meant a lot. We didn’t even realize we’d be on TV until friends and family started reaching out saying they saw us.”
The local saber guild, founded in 2021 and currently comprising between 15 and 20 active members, is part of a larger network originating from a group called The Order, based at Morehead State University. Since its founding, members have branched off to start affiliated groups in Owensboro, Georgetown, Grayson, and other parts of the state.
While their events often feature Jedi-versus-Sith-style duels, McFarland said participants don’t have to be Star Wars fanatics to join.
“Some people are into Star Wars, and some just enjoy the lightsabers,” she said. “We welcome everyone. We do a basic background check to keep things family-friendly, but beyond that, anyone can join — no matter your background, age, or fitness level.”
Inclusivity is a cornerstone of the group, which has members as young as 10 years old and accommodates individuals with physical disabilities. While the activity offers mild physical benefits, McFarland said the mental health impact is more important.
“It helps us forget the stress of everyday life,” she said. “We’re all adults with full-time jobs, but when we get together, we just get to play, have fun, and be social. There’s nothing wrong with that.”
The guild has gained attention online as well, with their TikTok page nearing 35,000 followers and several videos going viral. Occasionally, members are even recognized in public — including McFarland, who works in Jasper, Indiana.
The group primarily meets at Smothers Park in Owensboro during the warmer months and sometimes practices at the Farmers’ Market pavilion during inclement weather. They pause outdoor meetings during extreme heat or cold, but plan to restart in late February or early March.
“We don’t take the roleplay aspect too seriously,” McFarland said. “Some members cosplay, some just wear our group T-shirts, and some have really high-end sabers, while others use more affordable ones. You can get into the hobby at any level.”
McFarland noted that while they sometimes collaborate with groups like the 501st Legion, which is affiliated with Lucasfilm, they intentionally remain independent so their group stays accessible to all.
“We don’t want to force people to spend a bunch of money on screen-accurate cosplay,” she said. “We just want to make it fun and inclusive.”
The WKU performance has already sparked new opportunities. A viewer from Stanford, Kentucky, reached out to invite the group to host their annual tournament at a glow-in-the-dark sports complex there. The event will bring together groups from across Kentucky, including previous tournament champions from Georgetown.
For those interested in joining, the Saber Guild welcomes new members of all ages and backgrounds.
“We just want to have fun, be creative, and build community,” McFarland said. “If you’ve ever wanted to swing a lightsaber, come join us.”
The group plans to resume practices in early spring. For updates or to learn more, visit the Western Kentucky Saber Guild on Facebook or find them on TikTok.
