R2-J8 at Yuri's Night Space Coast

This year R2-J8 was invited to attend Yuri's Night at the Kennedy Space Center.  How could I pass up the chance to get some photos with the Space Shuttle Atlantis?!

To be honest, J8 wasn't the only droid invited.  My local R2 builders club "Southern R2 Builders" was there, along with some very talented Wall-E builders.

Our event organizers suggested we arrive early to get set up, as the party was set to begin at 8:00 PM.
For this event, I was determined to show up early and get some good pics, as it turned out, so did everyone else in our group.  We had nearly an hour to drive around the Atlantis Visitor Complex and take photos, and while the lighting wasn't exactly ideal, we managed to make the most of it.

Driving on the glass smooth floor was a droid wranglers dream.  Once I even took J8 to the 3rd floor just to see how well he handled the incline.  Out of fear of back charging the control circuitry rolling down to ground floor, I decided it best to take the elevator back.

Basically the entire place was transformed into a space age night club, with shuttle Atlantis suspended overhead, unbelievable!  Guests were actually better behaved than some of the Disney events I've attended.  There was a groovy DJ, a first rate laser light show, and special effects a plenty.

For most of the evening I drove J8 around, and through the crowd, often out onto the dance floor.  Once he even scooted into the VIP section, just under the nose of the bouncer.  My biggest concern when taking the droid out to an event is keeping him from running into people or hitting things, and I wasn't entirely sure a full on party would be possible.  Needless to say, all went well.

For me, it's always great to see a person completely startled at the site of an astromech droid, and this night had plenty of those moments.

  There were some awesome Star Wars, and Star Trek costumes, as well as other various space themed outfits.  One of the best outfits of the night was a 60's style engineer, with pocket protector, short sleeve button up shirt, and skinny neck tie, so classic Apollo era.

Anyway, even though I got home very late, and I mean 3AM late, I have to say I had a nice time, and I'd do it again.

If you're looking for a unique and nerdy night out, check out Yuri's Night, it's an international party, held on April 12th each year to celebrate space exploration.