Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will produce a slew of events this summer, tying in America’s 250th anniversary as well as salutes to the KSC bus tour and the last Space Shuttle flight.
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“This summer is a celebration of the American spirit of discovery,” Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of the visitor complex, said in a news release.
“As our nation marks its 250th anniversary, there is no better place to reflect on America’s achievements in exploration and innovation than here at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where history has been made for generations and the future of spaceflight continues to unfold, every day,” Protze said.
For all of July, the attraction will hold 250 Space Dreams, a giveaway of 250 prizes to visitors, with an emphasis on exploration and innovation.
July visitors also will observe the 60th anniversary of the bus tour. The parkwide celebration will include collectible pins, bus decals, photo opportunities, enhanced tour experiences and nostalgic tributes.
The visitor complex will hold the All-American Block Party on July 3-5. This will include a live DJ, hula hoop contests, robotics demonstractions, patriotic festivities and interactive activities inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction.
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The final space mission of Atlantis, which concluded in July 2011, will be commemorated July 10-12 with astronaut appearances and meet-and-greets. Former shuttle launch director Mike Leinbach will host an astronaut panel on the mission and the shuttle era. There will also be evening viewing experiences as well as a patriotic drone show on July 11.
The attraction will throw Moon Fest, tied to the 57th anniversary of Apollo 11’s moon landing, on July 17-19. Programming will include lunar rover photo ops at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, Apollo-to-Artemis presentations inside Journey to Mars, family activities inside the Atlantis attraction, America 250 pin giveaways and appearances by Astro and Orbit, a space-comedy duo. Participants are encouraged to wear retro attire.
Finally, American Aviation Weekend is set for July 31-Aug. 2, and it will feature aircraft flyover experiences, pilot meet-and-greets, aviation-themed IMAX presentations and pin giveaways.
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Most summer activities are included with regular admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. For tickets and more information, go to kennedyspacecenter.com.
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