Wednesday's Internet Edition, August 27, 2008.
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| 4-H CONGRESS – Jericha Hopson, along with 4-H members from across the state, recently attended 4-H Congress 2008 where they are selected to “become” the senators, representatives, governor, lobbyists, newsmen, etc. They meet each day in the Texas State Capital to present bills, then defend and vote on them to become the mock state government for a few days. |
Besides sunning on the beach and shopping on The Strand, there are numerous other activities to enjoy while visiting Galveston, including two award winning attractions, Schlitterbahn and Moody Gardens®.
Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, voted ‘Best Indoor Waterpark in America,’ covers 26-acres and features the world’s first indoor/outdoor 70,000-square-foot heated convertible waterpark.
In 2006 the third waterpark in the Schlitterbahn family of parks opened as the world’s first convertible waterpark, featuring more than 30 world-class attractions and the signature Transportainment interconnecting river system.
For more information and ticket prices, go to www. Schlitterbahn.com.
Right next to Schlitterbahn, the Houston area’s number one tourist attraction and family destination, Moody Gardens®, features family fun that also offers numerous educational opportunities and a variety of experiences for all ages.
The Aquarium Pyramid® features Sharks In Depth, a new summer exhibit at Moody Gardens®. The exhibit explores shark fact versus fiction, anatomy and behavior through a series of hands-on activities. Visitors can learn how a shark survives without a swim bladder, how they sense prey through vibrations and smell, what currently threatens shark populations and more.
Visitors can also explore the underwater worlds of the Caribbean, South Atlantic and North and South Pacific, all without leaving the cool comfort of Moody Gardens®.
The Discovery Pyramid® is now featuring, for a limited time, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, an internationally acclaimed exhibition seen by more than 20 million people worldwide, is designed with a focus on the legendary Titanic’s compelling human stories as best told through more than 125 authentic artifacts and extensive room re-creations.
A chandelier, gentleman’s jacket, china etched with the logo of the elite White Star Line, and perfume vials that still contain perfume-- these and many other objects offer haunting, emotional connections to lives abruptly ended or forever altered.
Visitors to the exhibit will travel back in time to 1912 as they a replica boarding pass of an actual passenger upon entrance. They will then find themselves immersed in the exhibition as they take a chronological journey through the Titanic; from the ship’s construction to life on board, the ill-fated sinking, and amazing artifact rescue efforts. The Titanic exhibit will be at Moody Gardens until Sept. 7.
Rare, exotic and truly unique, the Lifing Jewels of the Rainforest are on display at the Rainforest Pyramid. Chameleons, caimans and cobras, spider tortoises, mangrove snakes, temple vipers, as well as a 16-foot long anaconda are among the reptilian jewels new to the Galveston facility.
Vibrant, colorful flowers such as orchids, bromeliads, palms and anthuriums line the paths under the leafy canopy as visitors enjoy the tropical wonders of Asian, African and American rainforests.
For true enthusiasts, Moody Gardens® now offers back stage passes that will allow them to go where most guests aren’t allowed access.
For $175 per person, those who are seeking an unforgettable up-close look can enjoy the Seal and Penguin Experience where participants can spend a six-hour day side by side with one of the aquarium’s biologists.
They will prepare meals, help feed the penguins and assist in the creation of penguin art or other enrichment programs. Those on the Penguin and Seal Tour will also go back stage to meet Tolstoy the seal and help trainers with enrichment programs for both penguins and seals.
The Penguin and Seal Tour is available to those 16 years and older and is limited to three people per tour. Tours are held every other Saturday beginning at 9 a.m.
The Moody Gardens® Pass, sold in conjunction with day passes for $20 also allows participants to visit back stage areas of Moody Gardens such as the IMAX 3D Theater, greenhouse and Enabling Garden as well as the Learning Place where they will meet animals. They will also visit the aquarium’s South Atlantic kitchen, Pump Room and Caribbean Wet Deck in a three-hour program.
Those wishing to participate in either of the back stage programs should call 1-800-582-4673, ext. 4233 to register for passes.
Housed within the same complex as the Rainforest is the IMAX® 30D Theater, a visitor’s center, gift shop and Garden Restaurant. The complex also offers a Special FX 4D theater and a ridefilm theater as well as Palm Beach where visitors can swim and enjoy a white-sand and blue lagoon entertainment center with waterfalls, Jacuzzis, volleyball courts and paddleboats.
Visitors to Galveston Island can enjoy the exotic subtropical environment of Moody Gardens all year long. For more information, go to www.moody gardens.com.