02 Nov The Celebration Countdown!

Work has been underway for more than a year in Wapakoneta on plans for 2019 and a vast celebration to mark the 50th anniversary of the first steps onto the moon. Neil Armstrong, the man who took those steps, was born in Auglaize County and although when he was a young boy his family lived in many different Ohio communities, the family settled in Wapakoneta where he attended high school and learned to fly.

More than nine months of special activities and celebration are planned, ranging from a series of sky watching events to the World’s Largest Moon Pie. There will be hot air balloon rides, a huge parade, visiting Astronauts, a community read and the 5K/10K Run to the Moon. Look for the annual Summer Moon Festival to be out-of-this-world and you won’t want to miss the “Back to the 60’s Dinner”, Aeronca Airplane rides and the “For the Love of the Moon” art exhibit.  A new website: FirstontheMoon.org and a corresponding Facebook Page can keep you informed and up to date on all the planned events.

Don’t forget your swag. A wide variety of special, 50th anniversary items are now on sale at numerous locations in Wapakoneta. There are online sales of logo branded clothing as well. You can check the website for more information on these items and where to shop. They make unique holiday gifts for the special people on your list.

So mark your calendar now, 2019 will be here before you know it, and be prepared to help us party like its 1969!