2011: A Year in Pictures

As we put the finishing touches on this year, we’d like to take this opportunity to look back over the many wonderful highlights of 2011, told through photos.

January

Fan favorite "Journey into Amazing Caves" returned to Fernbank's IMAX Theatre, scheduled to open January 10.

However, "Journey into Amazing Caves" was delayed slightly when Fernbank, like most of Atlanta, experienced a rare "snow day" and was closed to the public January 10 and 11.

Baby, it was cold outside!

February

As the snow melted, buzz was building in anticipation of "Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids," opening February 19.

"Mythic Creatures" opening day, February 19. Many kids (and adults) came in costume to this festive event.

Juliana (3), daughter of Fernbank staffer Teresa McKelvey, takes one of the "Fernbank NatureQuest" activities for a test run on February 26, before the grand opening.

March

My, what little teeth they had. On March 3, Fernbank's newest residents, three baby alligators, moved into their new home in "Fernbank NatureQuest."

At long last, "Fernbank NatureQuest" opened to the public on March 19.

An inflatable alligator slide was one of the many activities featured during the opening celebration of "Fernbank NatureQuest," March 19 and 20.

April

Filmmaker and storm chaser Sean Casey and the TIV (tornado intercept vehicle) visited Fernbank on April 3 as part of the run of "Tornado Alley" in IMAX.

An egg-celent, egg-traordinary egg hunt egg-stravangaza! Fernbank's 2nd annual "Dinosaur Egg Hunt" on April 23 featured more eggs, more hunts and more fun!

May

Surf's up, dude! "Ultimate Wave" crashed into IMAX on May 6.

Princesses (and pirates) invaded Fernbank on May 14 for a day of family fun!

June

Nearly 400 mambo-chic guests attended the 17th Annual "Lost Oasis: Mythic Mambo" benefit on June 11.

It was a bird! It was a plane! It was Fernbank's inaugural "Superhero Day," on June 19.

July

More pirate and princess fun you say? Okay! (July 9)

August

Well shiver me timbers! More pirates and princesses on August 6.

Fernbank's annual "Dinosaur Birthday Bash" was extended to 2 days (August 20 and 21) in recognition of the "Giants of the Mesozoic's" 20th anniversary.

September

Checking in on our "Fernbank NatureQuest" alligators on September 7. OH BOY, have they grown!

"Darwin" opened September 24 with a family day celebration that included a "Dress Like Darwin" opportunity.

Say hello to Iggy, the live green iguana featured in "Darwin." (September 24)

October

Fernbank's annual fundraising gala, "A Timeless Affair" on October 1.

Fernbank's traveling Darwin started popping up all over town. He even made a quick stop at the Mellow Mushroom (October 21) in Decatur for a slice.

Who said Halloween is just for kids? Adults enjoyed the annual Martinis & IMAX Fright Night party on Ocotober 28.

A new tradition! The Museum's inagural "Fernbank BOO-seum" Halloween event (October 29).

November

Fantastic fall foliage in Fernbank Forest on November 5.

Another photo from Fernbank Forest on November 5.

Fernbank’s 2nd annual "Winter Wonderland: Celebrations & Traditions Around the World" opened November 16.

December

Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker Kids performed during the "Caroling & Cupcakes Weekend," December 3 and 4.

A couple enjoying a "Winter Wonderland Celebration Weekend" started dancing, much to the delight of their son watching nearby. (December 17)

Turkish Student Organization Folk Dance Group performing at a "Winter Wonderland Celebration Weekend." (December 17)

Of course, this is only a small sampling of the exhibitions, films, events and memorable moments from this year. And what a wonderful year we had, thanks in large part to all of you.

Here’s to a happy and prosperous 2012!

—Deanna Smith, Director of Marketing

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