Wetumpka Impact Crater Tours Set for February 23^rd

 Eighty five millionyears ago, near the end of the “Age of Dinosaurs”, the greatest naturaldisaster in Alabama history happened near the city of Wetumpka.   A very large meteor hit and created analmost five mile wide crater.

In 1998, Dr. DavidKing Jr, Professor of Geology at Auburn University, proved that the circular hillsin Wetumpka were the remnants of a meteor’s impact.  It was then named the Wetumpka Impact Crater.  Because the location was covered by a shallowsea at the time of impact, scientists have declared it to be one of the “bestpreserved marine impact craters in the world”.

Each year the Wetumpka Impact Crater Commission and the City of Wetumpka sponsor two Craterevents, a Thursday evening public lecture by Dr King and the Saturday guided publictours of the Crater.

Each year, Dr. King gives a free public lecture on the updated science of the Crater.  This year it is set for Thursday, February 21^st at 7:00pm upstairs at the Wetumpka Administration Building, next to the Wetumpka Civic Center, Main Street. This is an excellent opportunity to hear how scientists have proven the size and scope of the impact and get an update on Dr. King’s most recent research related to the crater.

On Saturday, February23^rd, we will have four guided van tours.  Because space is limited, reservations are necessary.  Starting at 9:00 am, 10:15am, 11:30 am & 1 pm, each tour will last about an hour and forty minutes.  The tour is divided into two parts, first, a video and orientation, followed by a driving tour in one of our vans.  Total cost of the tour is $20 for adults, $10 for children up to 12, accompanied by an adult. (Not recommended for very small children.)

Lectures begin at 9:00am, 10:15 am, 11:30 am & 1 pm.  The van tours will load immediately following the lecture and orientation.  Van space is limited and must be reserved by February 15^th.  Participants need to meet at the Wetumpka Administration Building, at least 15 minutes priorto their tour time.

There is optional walkingon the tours.  Wear walking shoes.   Reservations are only confirmed by payment of the fee.  Rain will not cancel.

For additionalinformation and to make reservations, contact Valencia at (334)567-5147 ore-mail vsmith@cityofwetumpka.com