June Fete to Launch Educational Space Theme

Matthew Hersh

Representatives of the Auxiliary at the University Medical Center at Princeton said it is working with NASA to cultivate this year's theme, the 2004 Rocket Fete.

At the February 4 kick-off meeting, Fete co-chairs Karen Fein Kelly and Jody Erdman announced the theme and that proceeds from the annual country fair will go to support the development of the University Medical Center's Breast Health Center.

NASA will provide for the Fete the "Starship 2040," a tractor-trailer that, when entered, has the feel of a prototype of a commercial spaceship from the year 2040, Ms. Erdman said adding that the aeronautics organization will also provide a consortium of outreach programs that include educational resources, media campaign planning and writing, publications and graphics, representatives from the state legislature, and "possibly" Governor James McGreevey.

"We're completely thrilled about the event," she said to a roomful of guests, who were seated at tables sprinkled with interstellar Milky Way chocolate bars.

Spaceship 2040 is a travelling exhibit created by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. NASA scientists and engineers, who are working toward the possibility of civilian space travel, will be on-hand for the festivities.

The exhibit will include a multi-media video theater on the exterior; while inside, visitors will be able to walk through the spaceliner's cockpit, passenger compartment, observatory, and engineering sections.

The announcement, which took place in a sky-box observatory at the Princeton Stadium, overlooked what is to be the Fete's first change-of-venue in over 35 years. Last month, the Auxiliary announced that it would move the event from the University-owned playing fields in West Windsor along Washington Road to the stadium.

Citing past adverse weather conditions, such as rain, mud, and dust, Betsy Sands, president of the Auxiliary of the University Medical Center at Princeton said the new location is not only cost-effective, but logistically more sensible.

"We [had done] so much damage with the tents and with the cars parking on the athletic fields that we started looking around for a new location," Ms. Sands.

"We've been literally standing in the mud for so many years," she added.

The move will also facilitate easier access to parking. Ms. Sands said while parking plans are not yet finalized, Princeton Stadium parking at University Lot 21 is accessible from a number of entrances including FitzRandolph and Faculty roads. University officials have also said that area surface lots should be available without conflict as the event will occur after Commencement and reunions.

However, the change in venue will not affect the Fete's annual attractions, including the raffle and 10K race. The race will be re-routed slightly to accommodate the new setting, which should include use of Weaver Track.

While the actual football field will not be used, the entire concourse of the stadium will be occupied with tents, as well as the green that lies between the Stadium, Jadwin Physics, and Fine Tower.