MITCHELL – Yesterday marked the beginning of the Galactic Gathering, an event in Mitchell that gives space-enjoyers the chance to meet and interact with six astronauts, as well as other special guests.
Astronauts and special guests included the Astronauts: Joe Allen, Mark Brown, Tony England, Kevin Ford, Jerry Ross, and Charlie Walker.
Also attending was Gus Grissom’s youngest brother Lowell Grissom, and his son Mark Grissom.
Friday’s dinner was space-themed, of course, with a beautiful dinner, and live music provided by Tracy Thompson. Tracy Thompson was Gus Grissom’s first cousin on his mother’s side, and played music as a hobby for many years. After 40 years in the car business, he now plays what he calls “Supercharged Americana” in tours throughout the Midwest. In 2021 alone, he performed over 100 shows.
Actor Joel Johnstone, who played Gus in the popular TV series, “Astronaut Wives Club”, was also present, as well as Shelby Wilson, 1960 Rome Olympic Gold Medalist.
Shelby Wilson brought his Olympic Gold Medal (pictured) for those attending to see and gave a speech after music and dinner.
At the dinner itself, guests adorned commonly space-themed outfits and dress shirts, and if you paid attention, several bore pins marking them as part of the Space Hipsters.
Space Hipsters is a group on Facebook that is a collection of more than 40,000 members who love space, astronauts, and the history and intrigue of each. The group was established in 2011 and has members around the world. Nearly 20 of the group were present for Friday’s dinner.
The event itself drew participants from all over the country. Several drove from Wisconsin, Florida, and New York, as well as Ohio.
The lucky ticket holders enjoyed an evening focused on the astronauts as they took pictures with their fans, signed autographs, and told of their space experiences.
