The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a number of events this summer, including a KSC Bus Tour and a tribute to the Space Shuttle’s last flight.
“This summer is a celebration of America’s spirit of discovery,” Visitor Complex Chief Operating Officer Terin Protze said in a news release.
“As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, there is no better place to reflect on America’s achievements in exploration and innovation than here at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where history has been made for generations and where the future of spaceflight continues to unfold every day,” said Protze.
Throughout July, the attraction will host 250 Space Dreams, which focuses on exploration and innovation and gives away 250 prizes to visitors.
Visitors in July will also tour the 60th anniversary bus tour. This park-wide celebration includes collectible pins, bus decals, photo opportunities, an enriching tour experience, and nostalgic memorabilia.
The Visitor Complex will host the All-American Block Party from July 3rd to 5th. This includes live DJs, hula hoop contests, robotics demonstrations, patriotic festivities, interactive activities inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction, and more.
Atlantis’ last space mission, which ended in July 2011, will be commemorated from July 10th to 12th with appearances by astronauts and handshakes. Former Shuttle launch director Mike Lineback will host an astronaut panel discussion about the mission and the Shuttle era. A night viewing experience and patriotic drone show are also planned for July 11th.
The attraction will host Moon Fest from July 17th to 19th in honor of the 57th anniversary of Apollo 11’s moon landing. The program will include a lunar rover photo op at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, an Apollo to Artemis presentation inside Journey to Mars, family activities inside the Atlantis attraction, an America 250 Pin giveaway, and appearances by space comedy duo Astro and Orbit. Participants are encouraged to wear retro attire.
Finally, American Aviation Weekend is set for July 31st to August. 2 will feature aircraft overflights, pilot meet-and-greets, aviation-themed IMAX presentations, pin giveaways, and more.
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Most summer activities are included in regular admission to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. For tickets and more information, visit kennedyspacecenter.com.
dbevil@orlandosentinel.com
