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  Spacefest XI, July 2021, Starr Pass (Tucson)

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Author Topic:   Spacefest XI, July 2021, Starr Pass (Tucson)
Robert Pearlman
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Posts: 46708
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 11-26-2019 08:50 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Announced today (Nov. 26, 2019) on Facebook:
Spacefest XI will be held July 9-12, 2020 at the JW Marriott Starr Pass in Tucson, Arizona.
Update on May 15, 2020: Spacefest XI has been postponed to July 15-18, 2021. See below for more details.

Robert Pearlman
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From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 05-15-2020 09:58 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Novaspace Galleries release
Spacefest COVID-19 Update

We are NOT canceling Spacefest XI, but we are postponing it, and we look forward to bringing you a bigger, better, healthier Spacefest XI next July 15-18, 2021.

With travel bans from other countries to ours, and with the COVID-19 news changing every day, we want to make sure we can provide the experience that you’re used to. Unfortunately, as of this moment, we can’t be sure about anything right now.

Giving full respect to the scientific evidence we have at hand, our decision was made in order to keep our Spacefest family safe.

Your tickets and payments will be transferable to Spacefest XI in 2021, and Universal ticket holder places will be held*, with no further action on your part.

*If you wish to refund your Universal ticket, your place in line will NOT be held.

We have reconfirmed many of the same guests, and possibly some new ones, to be announced! If you see them on our website, they have reconfirmed. In the meantime, we’ll be searching for even more great guests.

If you have already made your room reservation, and wish to roll it over to 2021, OR if you wish to cancel your room, contact Jennifer Huebner.

Novaspace loves putting everybody in touch with their space heroes, and we continue to do it for people like you.

Robert Pearlman
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Posts: 46708
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 05-15-2020 02:54 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
An upside to Spacefest now being in July 2021 is that it falls within the same month as the 50th anniversary of Apollo 15.

Hopefully, we can use the occasion to celebrate the mission and toast the memory of Al Worden.

Ken Havekotte
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Posts: 3275
From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard
Registered: Mar 2001

posted 05-15-2020 04:01 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Ken Havekotte   Click Here to Email Ken Havekotte     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Amen! Hopefully David Scott can make it, and maybe along with some backup and support crewmen in celebration of Apollo 15's golden anniversary. That would leave backups Vance Brand and Harrison Schmitt.

Blackarrow
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Posts: 3346
From: Belfast, United Kingdom
Registered: Feb 2002

posted 05-24-2020 10:27 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Blackarrow     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Robert Pearlman:
Hopefully, we can use the occasion to celebrate the mission and toast the memory of Al Worden.
I hope it will not be misconstrued as any dilution of my enormous admiration and respect for Al Worden if I delicately point out that the toasting should also be to the memory of Jim Irwin.

Robert Pearlman
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From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 05-24-2020 10:31 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Of course. My reason for singling out Al, other than his recent death, was because he attended past Spacefests and many came to know him through the event.

Blackarrow
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From: Belfast, United Kingdom
Registered: Feb 2002

posted 05-25-2020 09:18 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Blackarrow     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Robert, we're certainly on the same page here. It has been a privilege and a pleasure for so many people in recent decades to get to meet legends like Al Worden.

I would simply add that the early deaths of Jack Swigert, Donn Eisele, Ron Evans, Jim Irwin and Stu Roosa (and even the later deaths of Al Shepard and Pete Conrad) meant that they never had the chance to interact with large numbers of space enthusiasts in the ways that the internet-era made possible for many other Apollo astronauts. That was and is a great pity.

gareth89
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Posts: 377
From: Ireland
Registered: May 2014

posted 04-13-2021 04:06 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for gareth89   Click Here to Email gareth89     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Will Spacefest be going ahead in July?

SteveG
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Posts: 50
From: Scottsdale, AZ
Registered: Nov 2001

posted 05-06-2021 05:22 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SteveG   Click Here to Email SteveG     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
We have dealt in the past, and I will be assisting at Spacefest 2021. You have trusted me with your valuables and money in the past, and I would like to offer my assistance again.

At the time of writing this, I do not have the pricing for every autograph, but, as soon as I know I will communicate with with.

If you need anything signed please let me know. — Steve Gruber

SkyMan1958
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Posts: 1078
From: CA.
Registered: Jan 2011

posted 05-06-2021 11:25 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SkyMan1958   Click Here to Email SkyMan1958     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by gareth89:
Will Spacefest be going ahead in July?
Yes. July 15 - 18, 2021.

gareth89
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Posts: 377
From: Ireland
Registered: May 2014

posted 05-07-2021 02:44 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for gareth89   Click Here to Email gareth89     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
The line-up looks great so far, I wish I could be there! I’ll be sending a few items overseas to have signed and look forward to being there digitally in any capacity that I can be!

SpaceAholic
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Posts: 4897
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 05-07-2021 03:54 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SpaceAholic   Click Here to Email SpaceAholic     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Should be nice and toasty by the time folks arrive here in Southern Arizona; already have triple digit weather forecast for this week.

lspooz
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Posts: 416
From: Greensboro, NC USA
Registered: Aug 2012

posted 05-07-2021 04:17 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for lspooz   Click Here to Email lspooz     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I'll be there too, particularly since my son is one of the speakers (at our last Spacefest I noticed he was frequently talking to many of the volunteers and the organizers so I just presumed he was going to apply to be a volunteer/gofer for one of the astronauts — turns out he was wrangling for a speaker slot and was getting tips from Jay Gallentine and the Poors!)

I'm also willing to handle getting a few things signed for cS folks as in the past

The Spacefest site is also now accepting volunteer applications.

gareth89
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Posts: 377
From: Ireland
Registered: May 2014

posted 05-07-2021 05:15 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for gareth89   Click Here to Email gareth89     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I only made the trip over to Spacefest from Ireland the once back in 2016, and I can’t tell you how delighted I am to have done so, it was a fantastic experience. I feel privileged to have met the pioneers that are no longer with us, and the stories they told will never leave me! As I said already, the line-up so far looks fantastic, it'll be a real treat for those who can attend!

Also it'd be great to know signing fees sooner rather than later so I can plan accordingly!

rbee
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Posts: 61
From: England
Registered: Jun 2012

posted 05-17-2021 04:25 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for rbee   Click Here to Email rbee     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
A little surprised it's going ahead.

As Gareth says we need the autograph prices ASAP as the event is only eight weeks away and we have to get items ready and sent to Steve Gruber who also needs to be organised.

SteveG
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Posts: 50
From: Scottsdale, AZ
Registered: Nov 2001

posted 05-20-2021 12:31 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SteveG   Click Here to Email SteveG     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I have received many emails about Spacefest and handling orders. I can handle just about any order that anyone may have. I am waiting for the pricing to be released before I can give specific details and start having orders sent in. If anyone has any questions please directly email me: stevegruber34@yahoo.com

gareth89
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Posts: 377
From: Ireland
Registered: May 2014

posted 05-25-2021 04:22 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for gareth89   Click Here to Email gareth89     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Have there been any updates on the signing fees for this year’s event?

dwager
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Posts: 90
From: Augusta, GA
Registered: Sep 2014

posted 05-26-2021 08:10 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for dwager   Click Here to Email dwager     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
At my last check on the website, it looked like John Aaron and Joe Engle were no longer attending. Are they (or others) waiting until shortly before Spacefest to decide whether to attend? (I recall Dave Scott waiting to decide if he would make it to the weekend.)

Also wondering where Sy Liebergot is this year? I really enjoyed my interaction with him a couple of years ago.

lspooz
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Posts: 416
From: Greensboro, NC USA
Registered: Aug 2012

posted 05-26-2021 02:45 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for lspooz   Click Here to Email lspooz     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Looks like astronaut Steven Hawley was just added (and Nicole Stott was added about a week ago if I recall correctly), and new speaker, Mike Joner, are the most recent changes.

Now 15 astronauts, 15 speakers, 6 support.

As in the past, I'm also available to get some items signed for cS members (references available).

Alas, I've had three possible speakers turn down sponsorships over the past six months.

gareth89
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Posts: 377
From: Ireland
Registered: May 2014

posted 05-27-2021 01:46 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for gareth89   Click Here to Email gareth89     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I'd love to hear Kathy Sullivan speaking, she’s had a fascinating career in both her space and oceanic experiences. I'm currently reading her book.

Will there be an opportunity to send in questions if you can't attend the show?

pendragon
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From: San Diego
Registered: Jul 2020

posted 06-08-2021 06:30 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for pendragon   Click Here to Email pendragon     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I'm hoping Fred Haise will attend.

rgarner
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From: Shepperton, United Kingdom
Registered: Mar 2012

posted 06-09-2021 06:55 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for rgarner   Click Here to Email rgarner     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Fred confirmed to me recently that he will not be attending Spacefest, unfortunately.

gareth89
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Posts: 377
From: Ireland
Registered: May 2014

posted 06-10-2021 10:18 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for gareth89   Click Here to Email gareth89     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I see the Spacefest website has been updated with fees for autographs.

lspooz
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Posts: 416
From: Greensboro, NC USA
Registered: Aug 2012

posted 06-11-2021 12:19 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for lspooz   Click Here to Email lspooz     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Spacefest has added shuttle astronaut Dan Bursch.

Signing fees are posted for 9 of the 16 astronauts:

  • Walt Cunningham - $200+
  • Charlie Duke - $250+
  • Hoot Gibson - $60
  • Linda Godwin - $40
  • Tom Jones - $50
  • Jack Lousma - $80
  • Rhea Seddon - $60
  • Nicole Stott - $60
  • Kathryn Sullivan - $75

gareth89
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Posts: 377
From: Ireland
Registered: May 2014

posted 06-12-2021 05:47 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for gareth89   Click Here to Email gareth89     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Will Sy Liebergot be attending this year? I must say he was an out and out gentleman when I met him at Spacefest a few years back, so knowledgeable and generous with his time.

BruceF
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From: Long Island, NY, USA
Registered: May 2019

posted 06-14-2021 03:27 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for BruceF     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by gareth89:
Will Sy Liebergot be attending this year?
As of now, he's not on the list of attending Support Personnel.

lspooz
Member

Posts: 416
From: Greensboro, NC USA
Registered: Aug 2012

posted 06-14-2021 08:18 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for lspooz   Click Here to Email lspooz     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Wow! Spacefest has now added Colonel Eileen Collins as well as six new speakers.

Now 16 astronauts, 22 speakers, six support and four moderators.

As in the past, I'm also available to get some items signed for cS members (references available). I'll now have to bring a few things for Col. Collins since her memoir won't be out until October.

lspooz
Member

Posts: 416
From: Greensboro, NC USA
Registered: Aug 2012

posted 06-29-2021 06:41 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for lspooz   Click Here to Email lspooz     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Spacefest has added shuttle astronaut Ken Cameron. Steve Hawley is no longer listed.

Speaker Jani Radebaugh joins 21 other speakers and six support members. Signing fees are:

  • Clay Anderson - no fee posted
  • Dan Bursch - no fee posted
  • Ken Cameron - $50
  • Eileen Collins - $60
  • Walt Cunningham - $200+
  • Charlie Duke - $250+
  • Anna Fisher - $60
  • Hoot Gibson - $60
  • Linda Godwin - $40
  • Tom Jones - $50
  • Jack Lousma - $80
  • Mike Mullane - $50
  • Mario Runco - $60
  • Rhea Seddon - $60
  • Nicole Stott - $60
  • Kathryn Sullivan - $75
  • Charlie Walker - $45+$5

BruceF
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Posts: 17
From: Long Island, NY, USA
Registered: May 2019

posted 07-06-2021 03:03 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for BruceF     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I see on the homepage that they are using the "Gather" app for the schedule. I'm not sure if we have to have it, but just a heads up for the others that are going.

Is there ever a cS meetup at the show? Might be nice to put faces to the screen names.

stsmithva
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Posts: 2013
From: Fairfax, VA
Registered: Feb 2007

posted 07-06-2021 03:54 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for stsmithva   Click Here to Email stsmithva     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Bruce, I was just about to post something along those lines. This will be the first Spacefest I'll be attending, and while the scheduled programs will pleasantly take up most of the time, I'd also like arrange ahead of time to meet up with cS members to chat a bit.

It would also be nice to share tips and ideas, especially from people who have attended previous Spacefests.

With that in mind, I made a Google Doc that anyone going to Spacefest could use for such planning and tip-giving.

(I should add that there is already a Facebook page for the event, with lots of comments.)

stsmithva
Member

Posts: 2013
From: Fairfax, VA
Registered: Feb 2007

posted 07-10-2021 10:43 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for stsmithva   Click Here to Email stsmithva     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
The Alan Bean Memorial Spaghetti Dinner will take place at Spacefest!

Thursday at Starr Pass! Please RSVP by emailing me - Starr Pass needs a headcount by Monday morning.

One or two recent Spacefests have featured a spaghetti dinner to honor the memory of the wonderful Alan Bean (who REALLY liked spaghetti). One of the organizers tried to line it up with Starr Pass a month ago, and was told some things that made it look like it wouldn't be possible this year.

I made some double-checking calls to Starr Pass a couple of days ago. I think I lucked into talking to a nice person, who loved the idea. Therefore:

  • The Alan Bean Memorial Spaghetti Dinner.
  • Primo's private dining room.
  • Thursday, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
  • Menu: Caesar salad, spaghetti with sauce (meat or without) served family style, and fresh iced tea served in a complimentary Apollo 12 glass (which you'll keep as a memento).
  • Price $35, including all taxes and a 20% gratuity. (This is a bit high for a spaghetti dinner, but Starr Pass ain't cheap: if the breakfast buffet is open, it will be $27!)
Many attendees will have Universal passes and will probably prefer the VIP reception on Thursday 5:00 - 8:30. This would be a great alternative for a fun gathering, and dinner at the resort, for people who don't have Universal passes (or cars). (And hey, maybe some Universal people would like to come at 6:00 for an hour or so, then head back to the art show!)

We will enjoy each other's company in general, but more specifically share some Alan Bean stories. I can't promise anything, but there is a chance that an astronaut who worked with Alan at NASA will come over to share some memories.

PLEASE LET ME KNOW BY EMAIL IF YOU WILL BE ATTENDING, as Starr Pass needs a headcount by MONDAY MORNING. And if you know people who might be interested, please let them know about this ASAP!

Please let me know if you have any questions.

fredtrav
Member

Posts: 1764
From: Birmingham AL
Registered: Aug 2010

posted 07-10-2021 01:20 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for fredtrav   Click Here to Email fredtrav     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Post it on Space Hipsters on Facebook if you haven't already. Just sent you my email confirmation.

gareth89
Member

Posts: 377
From: Ireland
Registered: May 2014

posted 07-21-2021 09:35 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for gareth89   Click Here to Email gareth89     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
How did the weekend go? Does anyone have any musings on this year’s Spacefest? I’m sure there was a very different feel to the event with so many new faces in the line-up?

SkyMan1958
Member

Posts: 1078
From: CA.
Registered: Jan 2011

posted 07-21-2021 11:17 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for SkyMan1958   Click Here to Email SkyMan1958     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I had a great time. Although I did get a couple signatures, Spacefest these days for me is mainly about hanging out with my friends from around the country and the world. Unfortunately I know only one person who was able to make it out of his country (Australia), and he owns a place in Arizona, so the attendees were essentially all from USA.

The number of Apollo astronauts is getting rather small, but there has been a significant increase in Shuttle era astronauts. The shuttle panel talk was one of the best talks I've ever heard at Spacefest.

All in all, it was another very enjoyable Spacefest.

astro-nut
Member

Posts: 1018
From: Washington, IL
Registered: Jan 2006

posted 07-28-2021 02:56 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for astro-nut   Click Here to Email astro-nut     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I, too, had a great time at Spacefest XI. It is always exciting and fun to meet new friends and fellow collectSPACE members.

We had a blast at the Alan Bean Spaghetti dinner and playing Alan Bean trivia. I even won an STS-1 Flight Data File Ascent Checklist during the silent auction at Spacefest XI.

Meeting and chatting with the astronauts and support personnel is always an exciting time. I even got some good advice by authors Francis French and Jonathan Ward.

Great job by the Spacefest team of putting this event together and making it happen!! Looking forward to next year's event! Thank you Spacefest team, job well done!!!

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