News Release
July 6, 2009
Moon landing 40th anniversary celebration July 16 in Concord
When Neil Armstrong walked on the moon in July 1969, it was a world-wide media event. Those not old enough to remember this historic accomplishment in human history can relive the experience on Thursday, July 16 when Concord celebrates the 40th anniversary of man's walk on the moon.
Footage from the original moon landing will be shown in Todos Santos Plaza as part of the City's summer Music, Market and Movie series. The footage includes Armstrong's famous quote as he stepped on the moon's surface: "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."
"We hope parents and grandparents will bring their families to this salute to space flight," said Downtown Coordinator Florence Weiss. "It's a fun opportunity to relive a bit of history and introduce the younger generation to one of the most memorable events in modern times."
The moon landing footage will be shown at 8:15 p.m., followed by the movie "October Sky." The movie is based on the life of Homer H. Hickam Jr., the son of a West Virginia coal miner. As a youth, Hickam was inspired to think beyond a future in the coal mines by looking up at the Soviet satellite Sputnik, the first man-made object to orbit the earth. He went on to be one of the first NASA scientists.
The evening includes music at 6:30 p.m. by the Abalone Dots, an all-female Swedish band performing acoustic folk and bluegrass music on a variety of stringed instruments. The Farmers' Market is in the park from 4 to 8 p.m.
Downtown Concord will also be welcoming its newest restaurant as Fin's on the Square seafood bar and grill opens at 1950 Grant St. across from Todos Santos Plaza.
The Music and Market series continues on Thursday nights through Sept. 17. The Farmers' Market is in the Plaza from 4 to 8 p.m. with music at 6:30 p.m. Additional movie nights are scheduled for every Thursday in August.
Todos Santos Plaza is located in downtown Concord on Willow Pass Road between Mt. Diablo and Grant streets. Free parking is available in the Todos Santos Parking Center on Salvio between Mt. Diablo Street and Concord Avenue and in the Salvio Street Garage on Salvio between Grant and Colfax streets.
For more information about downtown events, visit www.concordfirst.org or call the hotline at (925) 671-3464.