First Annual Fly Around Dine Around Event at Kansas Cosmosphere

Set to Welcome SR-71 Blackbird Crew for Spytacular Weekend

A new, signature dining event featuring a dozen Hutchinson restaurants and beverage vendors launches the Cosmosphere’s SR-71 Spytacular weekend Friday, Aug. 24, from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. For a $15 donation, guests can sample their favorite foods and dine under the SR-71 Blackbird, the world’s fastest spy plane. The Blackbird hoisted above the Cosmosphere’s Grand Lobby is the same one piloted by Buz Carpenter, who will be among the 20 pilots, reconnaissance specialists, and flight crew on hand throughout the weekend to share their Top Secret spy missions of the Cold War.

Guests can welcome Carpenter and all these amazing spymasters as they make their red carpet entrance at 6 pm, accompanied by a fanfare of patriotic music.

“Fly Around Dine Around is a new event for Hutchinson and we look forward to making it a signature annual fund raiser for the Cosmosphere,” said Dianne Blick, director of development. “This year, all proceeds will go toward the much-needing painting of the Cosmosphere’s roof.”

The SR-71 Blackbird crew will be back at the Cosmosphere on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 25 – 26, hosting interactive presentations and sharing the thrills and suspense of their Top Secret missions. A full schedule of the family activities for the weekend can be found at www.cosmo.org.

Fly Around Dine Around will feature food and beverage from: Anchor Inn, Dillons Marketplace and Dillons Chinese Kitchen, Serendipity Cupcakes, Metro Café, Carlos O’Kelly’s, Girst Catering For You, Jillian’s Italian Grill, Hog Wild BBQ, Dairy Queen, Egbert Liquor Store, City Beverage Co., The Town Club and The Downtown Sampler.

“We are indebted to all these wonderful restaurateurs for their participation,” Blick said. “This will be a delightful taste of Hutchinson for a small donation. We hope people will take advantage of this opportunity to come sample their favorite treats and support the Cosmosphere at the same time.

Friday evening’s event also includes a raffle for a Ladies’ Omega Watch and VIP screenings of “To Fly” in the Carey Dome Theater for Cosmosphere members.

Advance reservations are recommended by calling 620-665-9347, or at the Cosmosphere Front Desk, 1100 N. Plum in Hutchinson. Admission at the door will be on a space-available basis. Business attire requested.