Based on the posting of videos and photos taken during the SLRA Apollo 16 50th Anniversary event, I would say it was highly successful. The attendance was lower than expected (probably due to postponement of the event to Sunday late afternoon and high winds). Though it was a bit windy at the start of the event, by 6:30 we had near perfect launch conditions. Every rocket launched was recovered (no tree captures). Jon Sullivan had the longest recovery walk of the day. His D12-5 propelled Goblin was the first parachute recovery rocket flown for the day. We launched in the far west end of Buder. His rocket landed at the far northeast corner, near the baseball field. Those in attendance were treated to two spectacular Saturn V launches from by working replica Saturn Launch Complex 39. A total of 9 attendees launched rockets during the event. There was easily an equal number of spectators. Both Charles Barnett and Dave Pape tag-teamed the role of LCO, launching 35 rockets. This was a scale model themed event with10 different scale model rockets taking to the skies. My favorite wes Dan Crank's two-engine cluster Gemini-Titan. Carmelo Turdo from Aero Experience was in attendance. He put together a great article on the event that includes some awesome photos and videos.The Aero Experience: St. Louis Rocketry Association Marks Apollo 16 Anniversary With Launch Event
The GSLMA President Fred Conenwett was also in attendance. He's posted some great footage on YouTube. (35) Saturn V rocket launch - Dave Kovar - YouTube
Be sure to check-out this slow motion video that Fred put together. He had two video cameras with views of the launch from near the LCO table and the other looking up at the Saturn V from the Launch Pad base (very impressive)(35) Saturn V model Rocket - Dave Kovar in Slow motion - YouTube
Dan Crank was one of the very few who stayed to witness the first launch of my Saturn Skylab from my launch pad. He was not disappointed. The launch took place roughly 10 minutes after sunset. The dusk light really amplified the flames from the pre-ignition and Saturn V engines. In addition he has lots of video of the other launches as well. Job well done Dan!(35) St. Louis Rocketry Association park launch, May 1 2022 - YouTube
Thanks to all who helped make this event the great success that it was.
Happy Rocketeering!!
Prez Dave Kovar