The Don Harrington Discovery Center will celebrate its 50th anniversary Sept. 5 with the Discover! 5.0 festival at John Ward Memorial Park, featuring science activities, live entertainment, an Amarillo Symphony performance and what organizers say will be the city’s largest choreographed drone show to date.
The festival, held in partnership with the City of Amarillo, is scheduled to begin at noon.
The city will provide shuttle transportation to and from the event, with AmTech Career Academy serving as one of the pick-up and drop-off locations. Additional locations are expected to be announced. Shuttle routes, schedules and parking information will be posted online as they become available.
Throughout the day, festivalgoers will have access to the Discovery Center’s Dinosaurs Around the World exhibit, community activity booths, food trucks and live entertainment.
Hourly science demonstrations are also planned, along with performances by local organizations, including Amarillo College Suzuki and Al Son del Folklore.
The Amarillo Symphony will take the stage later in the day, marking its first performance at a Discover! festival since 2004 and bringing back a part of the event that many area families may remember from years past.
The concert will also be broadcast live in partnership with High Plains Public Radio. Those who cannot attend in person will be able to listen through their local HPPR station, the HPPR app or its website.
The festival will wrap up with a choreographed drone show, which organizers say will be the largest held in Amarillo to date. The show is planned as a “modern finale” inspired by the fireworks displays associated with past Labor Day weekends in Amarillo.
General admission is $5 per person for the daytime festivities.
Sponsorship opportunities and VIP tables are also available for businesses and community leaders. VIP packages include preferred concert seating, private catered dining, an open bar, VIP parking and private restrooms, with proceeds supporting the Discovery Center’s mission.
Those interested in sponsorships or reserving a VIP table can call 806-355-9547 ext. 106 or email Discover50@dhdc.org for more information.
