Celebration Of Lunar Landing Set For Franklin Park Arts Center

PURCELLVILLE, VA — Beginning this weekend, a celebration of flight, space and the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing gets underway at the Franklin Park Performing and Visual Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, in Loudoun County. It'll include an art exhibition, two theater shows and planetarium events.

On Sunday, July 21, the Arts Center will host art exhibition dubbed, "Feathers & Kites: A Celebration of Flight," with the opening reception 3- 5 p.m. It'll feature original artwork from local artists. Cash prizes will be awarded in three categories, with entries including artwork depicting birds of flight, flying machines, kites and other flying things, as well as 3D works that can be "flown" in the gallery.

On Monday, July 29, there will be two theater shows presented by Bright Star Touring Theater, a national professional touring company from Asheville, NC. The 11 a.m. show, "Jack's Adventure in Space," is a story about a young student who, almost accidentally, journeys through the solar system. Admission is $8.

At 1:15 p.m., children can enjoy "One Small Step . . . The Real Life Journey to Outer Space." It marks the history of flight and space travel from the ancient tale of Icarus, to the first flights of the Wright Brothers on the beaches at Kitty Hawk, to the Great Space Race of the 1960s and beyond. Admission is $8.

On Thursday, Aug. 1, the public is invited to explore the galaxy at the center's "Discover the Planetarium." Audience members can step inside a Digitalis Delta 4 inflatable planetarium and experience the wonder of space, launch to the moon and learn to identify constellations.

Star shows last 30-40 minutes and are appropriate for ages 4 and older. Planetarium shows are held on the theater stage, with mostly floor seating. Registrations must be made each showtime by calling 540-338-7973. Admission is $8.