Where do Stormtroopers come from?

In seeing pictures from the convention, it's obvious there were a lot of people there in stormtrooper costumes. Where did they get them? Where do they come from? There were actually sessions at the convention held on costuming, to describe the process of making your own. Making one is beyond my knowledge, but I've learned what to do once you have your costume. Join the 501st.

The 501st is an organization made up of people who "own and proudly wear the costumes of the stormtroopers (and other imperial characters) from the Star Wars movies." There are no dues, no membership fees; the primary requirement is owning a professional quality Imperial (or enemy) themed Star Wars costume. There is a sister organization, Rebel Legion, for rebel costumers. But let's be honest, squads of stormtroopers walking around are much, much cooler than even the best-looking Jedi and Rebel pilot groups.

George Lucas even weighed in during one of his Q & A panels when asked by a child: "My daddy says the stormtroopers are the good guys. Are they?" to which Lucas responded: "Your dad is right - they are the good guys. They just work for a really bad man."

It's not all work and no play, though; there are variations on the theme, from midriff femtroopers, to rainbow-colored hippietroopers, to one that stands above the crowd: Elvis Trooper.