Canadian Space Agency astronaut Chris Hadfield, attired in a training version of his Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) spacesuit. Photo courtesy of NASA

by Morinville News Staff

The first Canadian astronaut to walk in space will be walking around Bon Accord this fall. The community announced Wednesday that world renowned astronaut Colonel Chris Hadfield will be part of Bon Accord’s Equinox 2016 on Sept. 24.

Col. Hadfield, who has logged 2600 orbits of the earth, lived in space and on the ocean floor, will be the annual festival’s keynote speaker.

Hadfield’s appearance is not the only highlight of this year’s festival, now in its fifth year. The event coincides with Bon Accord becoming Canada’s first International Dark Sky Community.

“We’re a small community doing unique things. We’re thrilled to have Colonel Hadfield, a former Commander of the International Space Station, at this year’s festival,” said Bon Accord Mayor Randy Boyd in a release June 8. “Colonel Hadfield will headline Equinox 2016, as we celebrate the night sky and our designation as Canada’s first International Dark Sky Community, and ensure the festival is a can’t miss event for our town’s residents and the visitors from afar who make it a destination every September.”

Equinox 2016 is a free weekend-long, town-wide event highlighting the summer into autumn equinox.

Previous years activities, including Twilight Tea, Sidewalk Astronomy, Stories of the Sky, and Dark Sky Photography will return to the festival.

New additions include Nighttime Yoga, a paint night and social event with locally produced wines. Participants will also have the opportunity to get autographs and books signed with Colonel Hadfield.