The Rahr-West Art Museum is explaining more of the Sputnik 4 backstory as part of its annual celebration of space debris landing in Manitowoc.
The 18th annual Sputnikfest takes place tomorrow (September 12th) beginning at noon with its 5K Run/Walk, giving participants a chance to get their steps in while showing off their love for sci-fi and fantasy.
Once they return, Executive Director Greg Vadney explains that there will be plenty of family-friendly activities, including an art space and kids’ games along with demonstrations from Lakeshore Robotics and more.
“I always say to people when you’re thinking of Sputnikfest, think ray guns and flying saucers,” he noted. “Because that’s the gist of what we are trying to do. Come with a costume and enjoy this great family-friendly event.”
The wonderfully wacky festival is based around the true story of a piece of the Sputnik 4 satellite landing right in front of the Rahr-West on N. 8th Street back on September 5th, 1962.
But this year, Vadney says Assistant Director and Curator Diana Bolander took a deep dive into the satellite’s history, uncovering new information that will be on display for the public.
“There’s a lot of history objects and historic panels that celebrate the Sputnik history,” he explains. “And we have a special trivia contest in which you go on a trivia hunt throughout the Sputnikfest grounds and Rahr-West Art Museum to find out really obscure, really fun space facts. And when you share them, you win a prize.”
The museum will also display a celebration of 60 years of the TV franchise Star Trek.
Like in years past, there will be three costume contests for pets, children, and adults.
Vadney reminds participants that it’s for original costumes only.
It will all come to a head at 6:00 p.m. with the annual alien drop raffle.
Vadney says that they keep Sputnikfest going not only because of the space history, but because it celebrates something that happened in the community.
“It’s a celebration of something that is a one in what, a billion, a billion, a google-plex, that a piece of space debris would have landed directly here in Manitowoc,” he stated. “We want to celebrate that.”
For a more comedic look at the event’s history, the Masquers will put on a short show called the Sputnik Story three times during the day.
More information about this year’s Sputnikfest can be found at visitmanitowoc.com.
