July 11, 2007
Roswell, NM celebrates 60th anniversary of alien spacecraft crashing
The small city of Roswell, New Mexico is best known for its association with UFOs. Roswell is famous for an incident in 1947 in which a supposed alien space ship crash landed in the nearby desert. The military actually reported the incident as a UFO crash and then quickly changed their story, claiming it was a weather balloon. In all likelihood, the incident was either a weather balloon or a military aircraft but that hasn’t stopped the city becoming known as the UFO capital of the world.
The city recently celebrated the 60th anniversary of the crash by hosting a UFO festival, complete with speakers, events and various alien themed attractions. Even when the festival isn't on, there are plenty of reminders of the supposed crash landing – many cafes and other businesses have an alien theme. The local McDonald's is designed to look like a giant spaceship.
And there is also a UFO museum featuring such exhibits as a replica of the crashed spaceship and a video of someone describing their abduction by aliens. The museum generates an estimated $35 million a year for the local economy.
You can even take a tour of the UFO crash site – although I can't imagine what there is to see! Tours of the crash site, which last around five hours, can cost up to $125.00 per person – for that kind of money I would expect to see a spaceship full of aliens land in front of me.
There are also plans for at least one theme park in the Roswell area which are sure to bring in even more tourists to the area.
There are plenty of non-alien attractions in the surrounding area. Roswell is located amongst some dramatic and beautiful desert scenery and not far away from the city, you can see the grave of the infamous outlaw, Billy the Kid.
Roswell isn't particularly easy to reach by air and many people drive the 200 miles or so from Albuquerque. However, American Airlines plans to begin service from its hub at Dallas-Fort Worth, from the beginning of September. Round trip fares from Chicago start at around $318, from New York fares start at around $280.00.
Guest entry by Mancunian.
If you're interested in space stuff, Huntsville, Alabama may be an option for you. Or you might consider getting married in space although it will cost you more than a flight to Roswell and a $125 tour of the UFO crash site...
Posted by James Trotta at July 11, 2007 10:33 AM | TrackBack
We drove from Albuquerque to Carlsbad to see the caverns, stopping in Roswell for a break. A visit to the museum, some shops and a snack were a great way to stretch our legs and made for a nice diversion.
Posted by: Ruth at July 13, 2007 3:19 PM125 dollars is kind of steep for just a tour of the crash site.
Posted by: Lawrence Finney at July 14, 2007 5:33 PM