In this section, you'll find the most important news from Ohio's tourism attractions and visitors bureaus.
Re-Live that 'Giant Leap for Mankind' with a Giant Celebration in Wapakoneta
5/20/2009
CONTACT:
Donna Grube, Executive Director
Auglaize & Mercer Counties CVB
seemore@bright.net
Convention & Visitors Bureau
(419) 394-1294
ST. MARYS, Ohio (May 20, 2009) – This year marks the 40th anniversary of Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the moon, and his hometown, Wapakoneta, has planned a celebration that is sure to be a blast. Whether you can remember the image of Armstrong descending from the lunar module and stepping onto the surface of the moon in 1969 or you have only read about it in the history books, you will find fun, interesting and poignant events to mark the occasion.
The week-long celebration begins on July 13 with the Tri-County Field of Honor. Thousands of American flags will cover the grounds of the Armstrong Air & Space Museum in honor of the heroes who have served our country as servicemen and women, police, firefighters, and other first responders.
Also during the week, visitors can take a drive-it-yourself tour, called “Auglaize County as Neil Knew It.” See where the first man to step foot on the moon was born, grew up and first learned to fly. Brochures will be available at the Armstrong Museum and Wapakoneta Chamber of Commerce office. Geocaching fans can trace Armstrong’s life in a similar fashion with hidden cache treasures marking the places of Armstrong’s early life.
Other events during the week include free Movies at Wapa Theatre. Enjoy The Right Stuff & Fly Me to the Moon in Wapakoneta's historic 1904 theatre to get you in a spacey mood. There will also be a “Run to the Moon” 5K run, car show, wiener dog races, chili cook-off contest, corn hole tournament, bed races, free musical entertainment and great food.
On Sunday, July 19, more family fun is planned at the rocket building activity for kids, moon rock hunt, moon pie eating contest and a rocket demonstration from the Ohio Civil Air Patrol. The Lima Area Concert Band will present a musical tribute to Space Exploration on Sunday afternoon. Evening events include a hot air balloon launch, back to the '60s dance followed by a laser light show.
Monday, July 20, is the final day of the celebration and will be the final day for the flags to fly over the Tri-County Field of Honor. Make sure to also check out the 40th Anniversary Commemorative Cover sale and free admission to the Armstrong Air & Space Museum for all Auglaize County residents and half price admission for non-residents.
For more information or for a complete listing of events, check out
www.SummerMoonFestival.com for a complete listing of events.
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