The early registration period is nearly over for the annual Sputnikfest 5K.
Rahr West Art Museum Executive Director Greg Vadney was recently on WOMT’s Be My Guest program, where he noted that this year’s Sputnikfest will be on September 12th from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Despite its long history in our community, some people still wonder, what is Sputnikfest all about.
“In 1962, the Sputnik IV Soviet spacecraft crash-landed in Northeastern Wisconsin, and the largest recovered piece was found directly in front of the Rahr West Art Museum here in Manitowoc, right dead center on North 8th Street,” he explained. “We have commemorated that with Sputnik Fest.”
Sputnikfest will feature costume contests, parades, alien drop raffles, and tons of activities to enjoy.
As for entertainment, there will be a theater reenactment of the Sputnik crash landing and live music by DJ Dan and groove and rock acts.
On top of all these festivities, there will also be a 5K run. This 5K will kick off the festivities at 12:00 p.m.
Vadney says that many people participate in the 5K to receive the exclusive Sputnikfest t-shirt.
This year’s t-shirt will be a surprise, but every year, the shirts include a landmark that is passed during the race.
To receive this t-shirt, participants must register for the 5K before August 18th, and regular registration is open until September 9th.
Arguably the coolest part is where the race takes place.
“It starts and ends exactly where Sputnik hit, in the middle of North 8th Street, right in front of the museum,” Vadney noted.
For more information on Sputnikfest and the additional 5K, visit Manitowoc.org.
