Tui Snider - author & speaker

aurora space alien

Win Tickets to the 2017 Aurora Alien Encounter #Texas #UFO #con

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September 16, 2017: Aurora Alien Encounter UFO Conference

Did You know a UFO crashed in Aurora, TX in 1897?  The City of Aurora and Vortexas invite you to come and celebrate the 120th anniversary of this bizarre event  on Saturday, September 16, 2017 for the second annual AURORA ALIEN ENCOUNTER! ( PLEASE NOTE: This event was originally scheduled for April 22th, 2017, but the date has been bumped ahead)

 

What is the Aurora Alien Encounter?

This exciting UFO Conference commemorates a strange event which occurred on April 17, 1897 when a UFO crashed in Aurora, a small town north of Fort Worth, Texas.  After the crash, an alien body was recovered and buried in the local cemetery! I’ve written about it several times here at TuiSnider.com, in posts such as these:

Space Alien Grave in Aurora: The Roswell of Texas?

New Headstone for Aurora, Texas UFO Crash Space Alien Grave

Sculpture of the 1897 UFO Crash in Aurora, Texas

Even after more than 100 years, this incident still stands out as one of the most extraordinary UFO cases of our time!

Come enjoy a full day of activities at Aurora’s local MD Resort such as:

  • featured speakers
  • vendors
  • food trucks
  • costume contest
  • raffle
  • cemetery shuttle tours to the alien burial site!
  • Starchild Skull
  • Man in Black after-party
  • …and more!

Buy tickets:

 Visit this link to see a full list of ticket information: Aurora Alien Encounter tickets.

Contest: Win Tickets or an Autographed Program by Spreading the Word on Social Media!

Help us spread the word about the Aurora Alien Encounter and you just may *WIN* a ticket to this exciting UFO event and/or an Autographed Program – signed by the speakers!

Enter Daily through April 17th, 2017!

For a chance to win one of 4 Adult general admission tickets follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter below: [PLEASE NOTE: I will be revamping this ticket giveaway because the date of this event changed. Everyone who entered for the original drawing will also be entered in the new one. I will get that put together as soon as I can.]
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Aurora Alien Encounter Speakers:

David H. Childress: David H. Childress is a well-known author, researcher and TV personality who is known to his fans as “the real-life Indiana Jones.” A captivating speaker and the author or coauthor of over 20 books, David has traveled the world several times over, seeking adventure and the answers to the mysteries of mankind’s past. His theories about ancient civilizations being contacted by extraterrestrials have become extremely popular in the past few years, and he has appeared on countless TV shows and at numerous conferences. David has conducted research into the 1897 Aurora UFO crash and is very familiar with the case. This will be David’s first ever appearance in Wise County, and he is very excited to bring us his latest research into “Ancient Aliens.” Make plans to come and meet David and listen to his detailed research account.

Jim Marrs: Jim Marrs is the author of numerous books including Alien Agenda and Our Occulted History. Jim will be giving a presentation about the 1897 Aurora UFO crash. For more info, check out: Jim Marrs’ biography

Nick Redfern: Nick Redfern has written a slew of books, too, including Chupacabra Roadtrip and The Real Men in Black. Nick will be speaking about a variety of bizarre Texas UFO cases. For more info, check out: Nick Redfern’s official website.

Noe Torres: Noe Torres has written several books, including The Real Cowboys & Aliens: UFO Encounters of the Old West and Fallen Angel: UFO Crash Near Laredo, Texas. Noe will be talking about Del Rio, TX UFO crash of 1955. For more info, check out: Noe Torres’ biography.

Tui Snider: Tui Snider (that’s me!) is giving a presentation entitled “What on Earth were they Thinking?” which focuses on the public reaction to the numerous airship sightings of 1897 in Texas. (Scroll down to the bottom of this page to see my full bio.)

…and other special guests (TBA)!

Shuttle Tour of the Alien Grave

Travel through Aurora in a shuttle to the burial sites with the City Administrator, Dr. Toni Wheeler as your guide! Dr. Wheeler is a native of Aurora. Her Grandfather, Clyde Idell, was born in the Aurora Hotel in 1925. She is a wealth of information regarding first hand accounts of the “old timers” she visited as a child.

Aurora Alien Encounter: Vendors

You can browse through several vendors with custom goods & services. (I will add details here as I learn more about them!)

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Hey, you! Want to come along for the ride?

No matter where you live in the galaxy, Tui's books can take you on a FUN adventure!
No matter where you live in the galaxy, Tui Snider’s books can take you on a FUN adventure!

FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: For updates on my offbeat travels, books, & other fun stuff (such as postcards from the road!) subscribe to my newsletter by clicking here.   You can also mix & mingle with me by clicking this link & “liking” my Facebook Author Page:

New Headstone for Aurora, Texas UFO Crash Space Alien Grave

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50 Years before The Roswell Incident

The following is an adapted excerpt from Unexpected Texas, my quirky travel guide to offbeat and overlooked day trips near Dallas and Fort Worth: You’ve probably heard of the alleged spaceship crash from 1947 that took place in the desert of New Mexico. Known as “The Roswell Incident” this is arguably the most famous case in UFO history. Yet here in Texas, there exists an alleged spaceship crash – complete with an alien body – which took place 50 years earlier! So imagine how excited I was to find out that I live a hop, skip and jump from “the Roswell of Texas.”

One thing that makes this bizarre incident so fascinating is that the space alien’s body was buried by the townspeople. You can check it out for yourself by visiting the historic country graveyard in Aurora, Texas. (The city of Aurora is even erecting a Sculpture of the 1897 UFO Crash to commemorate this bizarre legend!)

Aurora, Texas historic graveyard (photo by Tui Snider)
Aurora, Texas historic graveyard (photo by Tui Snider)

Bizarre State Historical Marker

As a travel writer, I make a point to check out every State Historical Marker I come across. The one next the Aurora Cemetery gate, however, is the strangest one I’ve ever come across because it reads, in part, “This site is also well known because of the legend that a spaceship crashed nearby and the pilot, killed in the crash, was buried here.”  Check it out for yourself in the photo below:

Aurora, Texas historic graveyard with marker describing 1897 UFO crash! (photo by Tui Snider)
Aurora, Texas historic graveyard with marker describing 1897 UFO crash! (photo by Tui Snider)

Aurora, Texas UFO Crash of 1897

So what exactly happened here in Aurora, Texas back in 1897? Well, according to a newspaper article published by the Dallas News in April of 1897, a cigar-shaped object crashed in a farmer’s field, an alien body was found in the debris, and this little humanoid was buried in the local cemetery. For a more detailed account of this incident, along with a photo of the now-missing headstone, visit: 1897 UFO Crash & Alien Body – Is this the Roswell of Texas?

Me & author, Donna Latham, at the new grave marker for the 1897 UFO space alien in Aurora, Texas (photo by Larry Snider)
Me & author, Donna Latham, at the new grave marker for the 1897 UFO space alien in Aurora, Texas (photo by Larry Snider)

Space Alien’s Headstone Stolen!

When I first visited Aurora Cemetery in June of 2012, a hand-carved stone depicting a cigar-shaped craft marked the spot  where Texas settlers buried space alien’s charred body. Sadly, when I returned in March of 2013, the headstone was missing! All I found in its place was a rock the size of a baseball and some plastic flowers. Since then, a big, heavy rock accompanied by a wooden cross was placed in the graveyard to commemorate where “Ned” (as the locals have nicknamed the creature) is buried.

Oddly enough, this new marker is in a slightly different spot than the marker I first saw back in 2012. I’m not sure which spot is more accurate, however! I will have to dig back through my photos from 2012 to verify this. I will share photos here when I do!

The new grave marker for the 1897 UFO space alien in Aurora, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
The new grave marker for the 1897 UFO space alien in Aurora, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

The Great Texas Airship Mystery of 1897

Another intriguing aspect to this strange slice of history, is that the Aurora spaceship crash is just one of hundreds – yes, HUNDREDS –  of UFO sightings reported in Texas throughout March and April of 1897. And oddly enough, these sightings didn’t slowly trickle out as you would expect. They just abruptly ended. By May of 1897, the “Great Texas Airship Sightings” were over.

I am currently writing a book about the public’s reaction to the Great Texas Airship Sightings of 1897. If you’d like to see some of the research I dug up on the subject, check out the presentation I gave last year at the Aurora Alien Encounter, the first annual UFO Expo to commemorate the 1897 UFO crash in Aurora, Texas. (My photo even made the local paper – whee!)

Here’s a link to a video of my presentation called What on Earth were They Thinking? Public Reaction to the 1897 Airship Mystery:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEH7mM16ONc

 

The new grave marker for the 1897 UFO space alien in Aurora, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
The new grave marker for the 1897 UFO space alien in Aurora, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

Weird Tale Inspires Authors

I’m not the only one inspired by the Aurora, Texas UFO crash of 1897. Today, I met up with fellow writer, Donna Latham, and took her to Aurora Cemetery so she could see the alien gravesite for herself. Donna is an award winning author and playwright who drove up from Houston for a writing research road trip with her husband. (I love going on those with my own hubby!)

Donna came across my name while looking into the Aurora alien grave. Her play is still in its infancy but I am really excited to see what she ends up creating! For more about Donna Latham, drop by her official website:  http://www.donnalatham.com/

Details on the new grave marker for the 1897 UFO space alien in Aurora, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Details on the new grave marker for the 1897 UFO space alien in Aurora, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

Directions to Aurora Cemetery

If you ever make it to north Texas and wish to visit the Aurora space alien grave, let me know what you see. There isn’t an official street address for Aurora Cemetery, but it’s easy to find. If you have a GPS, set it for: Cemetery Rd, Aurora, TX 76078. If not, head towards Rhome, Texas on US 81/287. Exit onto Highway 114, drive roughly 1.5 miles then turn onto Cemetery Road. The cemetery will be on your lefthand side.

FREE Cemetery Symbols Guide:

Do you enjoy exploring historic graveyards? Join my weekly newsletter for a FREE guide to historic cemetery symbolism by clicking the image below:

Texas UFO Expo: Aurora Alien Encounter

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April 16, 2016: Aurora Alien Encounter!

Did You know a UFO crashed in Aurora, TX in 1897?

VORTEXAS and the City of Aurora invite you to join us on Saturday, April 16th, 2016 for the first annual AURORA ALIEN ENCOUNTER!

This exciting UFO Conference commemorates a strange event which occurred on April 17, 1897 when a UFO crashed and an ALIEN body was recovered and buried in the local cemetery. Even after more than 100 years, this incident still stands out as one of the most extraordinary UFO cases of our time!

Come enjoy a conference at Aurora’s local MD Resort with:

  • featured speakers
  • luncheon with Travis Walton
  • vendors
  • documentary
  • shuttle tours to the original crash and burial sites!
  • …and more!

April 16, 2016

 

Buy tickets:

Full list of ticket information here: Aurora Alien Encounter tickets.

*Live* Stream of Events for those who can’t attend in person!

Can’t make it to Aurora? Watch the conference online! From now through the end of March, it’s only $5 to watch the entire Aurora Alien Encounter UFO conference streaming live online.

Ticket information here: Aurora Alien Encounter tickets.

Aurora Alien Encounter Speakers:

Jim Marrs: Jim Marrs is the author of numerous books including Alien Agenda and Our Occulted History. Jim will be giving a presentation about the 1897 Aurora UFO crash. For more info, check out: Jim Marrs’ biography

Travis Walton: Travis Walton’s terrifying abduction experience in 1973 led to a book and movie entitled Fire in the Sky. For more info, check out: Travis Walton’s official website.

Nick Redfern Nick Redfern has written a slew of books, too, including Chupacabra Roadtrip and The Real Men in Black. Nick will be speaking about a variety of bizarre Texas UFO cases. For more info, check out: Nick Redfern’s official website.

Tui Snider Tui Snider – hey, that’s me! – is giving a presentation entitled “What on Earth were they Thinking?” which focuses on the public reaction to the numerous airship sightings of 1897 in Texas. (I’m having so much fun combing through newspaper archives to find examples of what people really thought of these strange events. It’s been eye-opening!)

You’re already on my official website, but here’s my current bio in case you’re new here:

Tui Snider is a travel writer, photographer, musician, and speaker who specializes in quirky, haunted, and downright bizarre destinations in Texas. As she puts it, “I used to write fiction – but then, I moved to Texas!” Snider’s best-selling books inspired by the Lone Star state include Paranormal Texas, The Lynching of the Santa Claus Bank Robber, and the 2015 North Texas Book Festival First Place Winner, Unexpected Texas. Among other projects, Tui will be the 2016 photographer/writer-in-residence for Tarleton State University’s Langdon Review. She is currently writing a book called Messages from the Dead: A Field Guide to Historic Cemetery Symbols as well as a book about the 1897 UFO crash in Aurora, Texas.

Noe Torres: Noe Torres has written several books, including The Real Cowboys & Aliens: UFO Encounters of the Old West and Fallen Angel: UFO Crash Near Laredo, Texas. Noe will be talking about Del Rio, TX UFO crash of 1955. For more info, check out: Noe Torres’ biography.

Stephen Andrasko: Stephen Andrasko will be speaking about the real “cowboys and aliens” –  UFO sightings of the Old West. I’m super excited about this event and so curious to hear what Stephen and all the others have to say during their presentations!

…and other special guests (TBA)!

Lunchtime Keynote Speaker: Travis Walton

We welcome Keynote Speaker, Travis Walton famous for “The Walton Experience: Fire in the Sky,” for a catered buffet lunch. The chefs of MD Resort are preparing wonderful selections of salad, pasta, dessert and your choice of tea or lemonade.

Shuttle Tour of the Crash Site & Alien Grave

Travel through Aurora in a shuttle to the crash & burial sites with the City Administrator, Dr. Toni Wheeler as your guide! Dr. Wheeler is a native of Aurora. Her Grandfather, Clyde Idell, was born in the Aurora Hotel in 1925. She is a wealth of information regarding first hand accounts of the “old timers” she visited as a child.

Documentary of the Aurora UFO Crash with Jim Marrs

Learn the history of Aurora’s UFO crash and alien burial in a fascinating documentary with Jim Marrs!

Aurora Alien Encounter: Vendors

You can browse through several vendors with custom goods & services, although I don’t have details about them as of this writing.

Contest: Win Tickets by Spreading the Word!

Help us spread the word about the Aurora Alien Encounter

and you just may

*WIN* a ticket to this exciting UFO event!

For a chance to win one of the following:

  • One of 3 Live Streaming Video passes (Grants access to the live streaming video of the conference speakers.)
  • One VIP Adult admission ticket (Includes: Early arrival Meet-and-Greet with Speakers, Autograph Session, General Admission, Meal Ticket (lunch), Shuttle Pass (tour) and Commemorative Souvenir.)
  • One of 2 Adult general admission tickets (This grants one adult admission to the event. Ticket prices: April 2-15, $15; At the door $20.)

Enter Daily through April 13th, 2016!

For your chance to win, simply help us spread the word about this event by following the instructions on the Rafflecopter above! (Sorry – the contest has ended.) Thank you! 

Curious about my books? I’ve got 3, so far…


To read about more weird, offbeat, and overlooked places, check out my best-selling travel guide: 
UNEXPECTED TEXAS: Your Guide to Offbeat & Overlooked History, Day Trips & Fun Things to do near Dallas & Fort Worth.

For ghost hunting hot spots, check out my best-selling travel guide to haunted places: 
PARANORMAL TEXAS: Your Travel Guide to Haunted Places near Dallas & Fort Worth.

For a strange-but-true tale of Texas history, check out this bizarre piece of West Texas history: 
The Lynching of the Santa Claus Bank Robber

 


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Hey, you! Want to come along for the ride?

No matter where you live in the galaxy, Tui's books can take you on a FUN adventure!
No matter where you live in the galaxy, Tui Snider’s books can take you on a FUN adventure!

FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: For updates on my offbeat travels, books, & other fun stuff (such as postcards from the road!) subscribe to my newsletter using the form below. Each week, I’ll let you know the Historic Cemetery Symbol of the Week, who Teal Gray & I are interviewing on our show that night, and any other fun or interesting news. You can also mix & mingle with me by clicking this link & “liking” my Facebook Author Page: