PHOENIX — Other than the release date of new chapter in the beloved film franchise, Friday was the best day of the year for “Star Wars” fans in Arizona and around the world — and galaxies far, far away.

“Star Wars” Day has become a social media sensation annually on this date because of May the Fourth’s similarity to the iconic line from the films: “May the force be with you.”

Related hashtags #MayThe4thBeWithYou, #MayTheFourth and #StarWarsDay were top trends on Twitter in the United States on Friday morning.

There were indications locally that the holiday was being embraced.

The Gilbert Fire Department posted video of an unusual encounter with a Wookiee riding an old-fashioned bicycle with a giant front wheel. You read that right: a Wookiee — or maybe a human in a Chewbacca mask — on a velocipede. (You’ll want to turn the sound on for this.)

In a galaxy far far away…. Wait, it’s Gilbert. 🙏 to Chewbacca for stopping by station 10👍🏼👍🏼 #MayThe4thBeWithYou pic.twitter.com/cDfnf5D1YY

— Gilbert Fire Rescue (@GilbertFireDept) May 4, 2018

The Arizona State University Library made sure to remind everybody that it houses an extensive “Star Wars” collection that includes publicity materials and merchandise.

The #StarWars collection at @ASU houses publicity materials & merchandising products for the film series from 1976-2005. https://t.co/a5iomyWRC3 #MayThe4thBeWithYou pic.twitter.com/gwaeOaEQFQ

— ASU Library (@ASULibraries) May 4, 2018

Valley Metro wished its riders a happy “Star Wars” Day.

Happy #StarWarsDay. May the fourth be with you as you #respecttheride! #vmintern @valleymetro pic.twitter.com/ewj6TjI6ZG

— Valley Metro (@valleymetro) May 4, 2018

NASA, of course, got in on the action, with a reminder of when a “Star Wars” movie was enjoyed on the International Space Station.

We have a little bias, but we can’t think of a better place to watch @StarWars than the International @Space_Station. Here's a look at movie night in 2015 on the orbiting lab. #MayThe4thBeWithYou pic.twitter.com/tS64TZFWdG

— NASA (@NASA) May 4, 2018

Back on Earth, in London to be precise, Heathrow Airport joined the fun by adding locations from the movies, including the Death Star, to its departure listings.

Good morning from Heathrow. The force is strong with us today and we've got some special new routes. Will you be travelling to galaxies near… or far, far away? #Maythe4th #MayTheFourth #MayThe4thBeWithYou #StarWarsDay 🌌🌟 pic.twitter.com/B9IcnMOMxC

— Heathrow Airport (@HeathrowAirport) May 4, 2018

Another reason for the movies’ fans to celebrate is that advanced tickets for the next installment, “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” went on sale. The film comes out May 25.

Happy #StarWarsDay! Get tickets to Solo: A Star Wars Story in theaters May 25: https://t.co/hNx4uSEDyf #MayThe4thBeWithYou #HanSolo pic.twitter.com/j6hySEbqOU

— Star Wars (@starwars) May 4, 2018

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