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Space Fest to offer 'out-of-this-world' experience

  • Published
  • By Sarah Swan
  • National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
DAYTON, Ohio --  Children and adults of all ages will have an "out-of-this-world" experience during Space Fest as the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force and a number of partner organizations offer space-related activities May 16-17.

On Friday, May 16, a rocket launch will kick off the "Space Fest Fun Run: Glow in the Dark Edition." During this run at twilight, participants will race through a scale-version of the solar system, starting at the sun and passing all the planets. A 1-mile race for children begins at 8 p.m., followed by a 5K run/walk for all ages at 8:30 p.m.

Pre-registration entry fee for both the 5K run and the kids' race is $20 per person, which includes a t-shirt (fee increases to $25 after April 28). Registration forms for both races are available at https://endurancecui.active.com/event-reg/select-race?e=8136253 or at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base fitness centers. Registration also will be offered on the day of the event for $30, but a t-shirt is not guaranteed. Base access is not required to participate.

Ribbons will be given to all children who participate in the kids' race. Each participant will receive a glow-in-the-dark stick.

Evening activities on Friday, May 16 include a special showing of Gravity (in 3D) at 7 p.m. in the Air Force Museum Theatre at a reduced cost of $4 per person. Former astronaut and retired Col. Greg Johnson, who graduated from Park Hills High School in Fairborn, Ohio, will speak before and after the movie. A star-gaze with telescopes will take place at 9:30 p.m.

On Saturday, May 17 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., visitors will find a multitude of space-related hands-on activities for all ages, including special appearances by astronauts, a chance to see the museum's new Space Shuttle Exhibit, model rocket building and launching, movies, workshops and much more. Admission to most activities is free!

Updated information about Space Fest will be available at www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/spacefest.asp.

The National Museum of the United States Air Force is located on Springfield Street, six miles northeast of downtown Dayton. It is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day). Admission and parking are free. For more information about the museum, visit www.nationalmuseum.af.mil.


NOTE TO PUBLIC: For more information, please contact the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at (937) 255-4646.

NOTE TO MEDIA: For more information, please contact Sarah Swan at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Public Affairs Division at (937) 255-1283.