posted 03-19-2005 08:58 AM               

Since 1998, when the first herd of decorated cows, a public art project, grazed the streets of Zurich, Switzerland, nearly two dozen communities have followed suit. Zurich had more than 800 decorated fiberglass cows on display that summer, inspiring other cities to launch similar public art projects. Chicago featured more than 300 cows during the summer of 1999, and summer 2000 featured cows in New York, horses in Lexington, and moose in Toronto. Summer 2001 was downtown Seattle's turn when nearly 200 pigs hogged the sidewalks.

Huntsville is the Rocket City of the World, so why not adorn our city with an artistically embellished symbol of Huntsville's heritage. Louisville had "Gallapalooza", Chicago had "Cows on Parade", and Seattle had "Pigs"! The Huntsville Bicentennial Commission is presenting "Huntsville Bicentennial Blastoff"! The excitement of seeing 6' tall scale models of the Saturn V rocket throughout the city of Huntsville is the fitting symbol for Huntsville's Bicentennial Celebration.

For 2005, our bicentennial year, the Huntsville Bicentennial Blastoff will set the stage for the commemorative events that will culminate with Unity Day on August, 6, 2005 These Saturn V replicas, showcased by local individuals, businesses, and corporations will contribute:

• A renewed sense of excitement
  
• Increased tourism and economic impact
  
• An interest in residents to visit parts of the community new to them
  
• A showcase for local artists

The recognition to be gained from having one of the Saturn V's, decorated in a whimsical or classical fashion, standing tall at the place of your choosing, will show every viewer your support to Huntsville at this special time in its history. A map showing the location of each rocket will be placed at Alabama Welcome Centers, the Huntsville-Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and local attractions; and pictures of each creation and its location will appear on the Bicentennial web site.

Huntsville will be enriched by both the local excitement and the national and international goodwill generated by Huntsville Bicentennial Blastoff!

The Saturn V model is solid and durable, built from Philippine mahogany, completely finished and painted in white. The model will show all five F-1 engines, fins and retro rocket detail on the side of the first and second stages. The rocket will come with its own display base.

Our plans for the Saturn V replicas do not stop here. Following Unity Day on August 6th, the rockets will remain on display at their locations throughout Huntsville until early January 2006. Then, should you choose to participate, your rocket will be donated to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center for auction, with the proceeds of the auction going to the restoration of the real Saturn V at the Space & Rocket Center.

The cost to participate in the Huntsville Bicentennial Blastoff is $1,800. Please contact the Bicentennial Commission Office at 256-971-0522 to order your rocket.

The Huntsville Bicentennial Commission is a 509(a)3 tax-exempt organization, and a portion of the purchase price of the Saturn V replica is tax-deductible. If you choose to donate your rocket to the Space & Rocket Center for its auction, the entire amount will be tax-deductible.