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History of Lunar Rendezvous Festival

In 1965, members of the Clear Lake/Bay Area community listened to an exciting idea presented by Maggie Plumb DeNike "et's have a big celebration, and include everyone in this wonderful area to celebrate the satisfaction, the fulfillment and the fun of the life we lead here."

With no money, many volunteers and goodwill on the part of the community, we began ... and never faltered ... we intended to enjoy the festival and to invite others to join us as part of a vibrant growing area ... and we have!

The Lunar Rendezvous Festival is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that preserves both the historical lore and the many great accomplishments in the space sciences made by residents of the Clear Lake/Bay Area. Our first festival ran for 10 days, including events involving children, adults, high school girls as princesses, runners, sailors, kite flyers, astronauts, and business people.

An estimated 25,000 residents have contributed their time and efforts to past festivals. Our festival is still a celebration fostering community spirit but yet raising funds that are widely distributed to stimulate, develop, and portray the art, drama, music, and culture of the area. It is still dedicated to wholesome enjoyment and appreciation of hard work, good fun, and high achievement.

Festival In Review

Lunar Rendezvous has a history of hosting fun and entertaining festivals enjoyable for the entire family. The first festival, held in June 1976, was a salute to the space program’s historic 1965 rendezvous of Gemini VI and Gemini VII in space.

Each year the festival hosts many events and activities. An Antique Show, a huge Run/Walk sponsored by one of the aerospace companies, a beautifully choreographed Fashion Show with professional models, a Golf Tournament, Tennis Tournament, Casino Night, Lighted Boat Parade, Family Fun Fair, Wine Train, an Art Show and a Sunrise Service are just a few of the many past fantastic events that might make up a festival.

Each year the line-up of festival events is different and unique with the added touch and personal flair of each year's General Chairman and her selected Event Chairmen. This dedicated volunteer force of leaders in the community add individual style and warmth to the schedule of activities as they plan the best festival possible while attempting to stay true to the original charter and purpose of Lunar Rendezvous Festival.

Events for each year’s festival are always planned to appeal to a wide range of participants. For instance, the Sunrise Services are non-denominational and hosted each year by different churches in the area. This service provides a spiritual tribute to space and our community.

Sports events are scheduled throughout the festival. Whether it is the Honeywell Run, the Tennis Tournament, or Premier Golf Tournament at an exclusive country club, you will be sure to find something of interest if you are a sports fan.

The Festival finale is the Coronation Ball with a presentation of the Princesses and Lieutenants and the crowning of the Queen. The addition of Little Ladies in Waiting and Pages added much to the festivities this past year. This black-tie affair is a celebration by the festival of all volunteers, sponsors, their families and the community. This is an absolutely elegant and special evening for all attending.