On July 20, 1969, a small spacecraft from earth landed on the moon. Shortly afterwards, a man in a bulky spacesuit climbed outside the craft and made his way down the ladder. Neil Armstrong then made "one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind." When the USS Wernher von Braun commissioned as a full chapter of STARFLEET on September 25, 1993, we incorporated this very special date into our vessel registry number: NCC 72069.

It's ten years later, and we're ready to party! Since remodeling of our house prevented us from having our second annual AeroSpace Day on July 20, we've decided to combine that celebration with our Tenth Anniversary party. While having that in September would have been better, scheduling requires that we hold it on October 25 instead. Since it's so close to Halloween, we might as well combine it with a costume contest and other fun Halloween events.

Therefore, we've got three great things to celebrate! We have a full day planned with many fun activities suitable for all ages. Events include model rocket launches, paper airplane contests, craft airplane and rocket building, costume contest, food, and a tour of a real Saturn 1B rocket.

Quick links: Directions, Parking, and Safety.

Activity Schedule: 12 noon: Lunch and opening remarks. 4 pm: Tour of the Saturn 1B rocket. See the directions listed below. 6 pm: Dinner and movies. Throughout the day: Craft rocket, airplane, and alien/monster making. Throughout the day: Model rocket launches.

Please Note: All activities and times are subject to change, even during the event.

Activity Notes:

Crafts, videos, and model rocket launches will be held throughout the day. This will give people a chance to wander in and out as they want. Those who do not go on the Saturn 1B rocket tour can stay behind to finish their crafts or watch videos. While we hope to have several real planes on site for people to climb in and look at up close, we cannot guarantee this. Unfortunately, we will not be able to give airplane rides. We'll also be giving out door prizes throughout the day.

While this event is for the benefit of our crew, it is open to other STARFLEET chapters. You're welcome to bring friends, guests, and anyone else that may be interested in attending. All that we ask is that everyone please RSVP their attendance by e-mailing Richard at info@usswvb.org or calling by phone at 256-658-1018. Unless you want to leave a message on his voice-mail, you're more likely to catch him in the afternoons and evenings.

While lunch will be provided, feel free to bring your own snacks and foods that you may want, especially if you have food allergies or other dietary concerns. The planned lunch includes Whitts pork BBQ, potato salad, baked beans, soft drinks, and cake. (Please note that remodelling of the local Whitts may require a change in food at the last minute.) We'll probably do pizza for dinner. Just rRemember to let Richard know if you're coming (and if you're bringing anything to share with others) so adequate preparations can be made.

While we will have some craft supplies available for the rocket, airplane, and monster making contest, you may wish to bring anything special that you wish to utilize. Again, if you'd like share your craft supplies for use with everyone, we'd be very appreciative. In particular, you may want to save your toilet paper and paper towel cardboard tubes for rocket body construction. You're more than welcome to take your craft creations home with you as a souvenirs.

We'll try to let the kids have an opportunity to actually launch a model rocket. However, engine supplies may be limited. Also, please feel free to bring your own model rockets, airplanes, or other toys. Wal-Mart, the US Space and Rocket Center, and other hobby shops carry a wide assortment if you'd like to purchase and build one ahead of time. They also make some great battery charged planes and air-powered rockets. Since this is an AEROspace day, don't forget to bring your favorite foam or balsa wood gliders, or even kites. We'll have plenty of supplies for the paper airplane making and flying competition.

Directions:

Directions from Huntsville:

The shortest route is to go north on Jordan Lane (highway 53) to Ardmore. As it turns into Main Street, go straight until after passing under the train tracks. Get in the center turn lane to turn left onto Jones Avenue between the old cheese plant and the bank and go till it ends. Turn right onto highway 53 and go west for about 2 miles. Immediately after crossing over I-65, turn right onto Airport Lane. Ardmore Aviation is the rock house and airplane hanger on the left on a slight hill at 28825 Airport Lane. While slightly longer, better roads are available by going west on highway 72 (University Dr.) to I-65 and following the Alabama directions below.

Directions from Alabama:

Head north on I-65 toward Nashville, TN. You'll see the Saturn 1B rocket on the west (left) side of the interstate. One mile after that, take Ardmore exit #365. Turn left off the ramp, and go west across the interstate. Immediately after crossing the interstate, turn right onto Airport Lane. Ardmore Aviation is the rock house and airplane hanger on the left on a slight hill at 28825 Airport Lane.

Directions from Tennessee:

Head south on I-65 toward Birmingham, AL. Take the first exit in Alabama, which is Ardmore exit #365. (Do NOT take the Ardmore exit #1 in Tennessee.) Turn right off the ramp, and then turn right again immediately onto Airport Lane. Ardmore Aviation is the rock house and airplane hanger on the left on a slight hill at 28825 Airport Lane.

Directions to the Saturn 1B rocket at the Alabama Welcome Center:

From Ardmore Aviation, turn right onto Airport Lane and go back to Highway 53. Turn left onto the main road and then immediately turn right onto the interstate southbound on-ramp. Go south on I-65 for 1 mile and then exit at the Alabama Welcome Center. To get back to Ardmore Aviation, continue going south on I-65 for 3 miles. Exit off the interstate at Elkmont exit #361. Turn left and go west across the interstate. (Watch out for the trucks coming from the truck stop.) Immediately turn left onto the I-65 northbound on ramp. Follow the directions listed above for Alabama.

Parking:

The best place to park is between the hanger and the house, or in the grass along side the driveway. If you miss the first entrance by the mailbox, you can use the second entrance of the circular driveway. Most of the activities will be held in the house, where entry is quickest through the back door under the carport. Handicap access is now available via the wheelchair ramp by the front door.

Safety Notes:

Ardmore Aviation is a real, working airport where aircraft maintenance occurs. As such, the hanger repair area is not suitable for children to play in. Do NOT climb in, touch, or play on or near any of the airplanes unless you're specifically told it is safe to do so.

Please supervise your own children, as we are not providing childcare or daycare services. While we will do everything we can to ensure their safety, you as their parent are responsible for their well-being. Be aware that while every measure will be taken to ensure everyone's safety, accidents can happen since this is model rocketry.

By attending this event, you agree not to hold Richard L. Trulson, Ardmore Aviation, its owners or customers, their guests, the USS Wernher von Braun, STARFLEET, their members, or any other attendees responsible for any accidents that may occur.

Also note that all buildings are non-smoking. If you must smoke, please do so outside away from the hanger and other airplanes. Also, this event is alcohol free, so please do not bring beer, wine, or other alcoholic beverages.

Pictures and possibly video will be taken. If you do not wish to be a part of them, please let the photographers know. You are welcome to take your own pictures, so long as you respect the wishes of those in the picture. Photos on this web page have been collected on the internet over time. They are more than likely from the NASA image archives, and edited to suit my display needs. Copyright infringement is not intended.

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This page was last updated on Thursday, October 23, 2003. For any questions about the Wernher von Braun or this web page, please contact Richard L. Trulson at info@usswvb.org.