If you're not familiar with the backstory on the "Yuri's Night" allow me to explain:

"A long time ago..." WAIT, wrong story!

On April 12, 1961, Yuri Gagarin blasted off the launch pad in Baikonur at 9:08 a.m. local time. Gagarin made his historic 108 minute flight (orbiting around the Earth once) and parachute landed near his Vostok 1 capsule in the plains of Russia. Now, this may not have been something to throw a party about back in Cold War era USA... but things have changed, so what the heck?

Besides, everyone knows that Ohio Garrison and Midwest Base love a good party!

Yuri's Night was created back in 2001 and every year since as continued to bring the excitement, passion, and promise of space travel closer to people of all ages, nationalities, and backgrounds.

This year marked the 1st time Cleveland would be hosting a "Yuri's Night" event; thanks to hard work of the NASA Glenn Developing Professionals Club. And what better place to celebrate the science of space travel then at The Great Lakes Science Center! Another reason the GLSC was a great venue for this type of party was that they were currently hosting the "ROBOTS + Us" exhibit... so we all got a chance to check that out.

In the past, we've done these sorta VIP events where after the first 15 mins the party guests are really not all that into having Star Wars characters hanging around... this was NOT one of those parties! Between rocking out to the local bands, to mingling with folks all dressed up or in their own "space themed" costumes, and lightsaber dueling between Darth Vader and a Jedi Master in front of standing room only crowds... CLEVELAND'S YURI NIGHT ROCKED!!! (more then the Rock Hall inductions VIP party next door)

Yuri's Night Cleveland - MWB Mission Photos

It was a late night on the town for all of us... and looking forward to "party like an ewok" with Yuri in 2010!