It's finally official! All systems are go to formally "Ignite the SPARK" Museum of Electrical Invention with a grand celebration on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 13 - 14, 2012.

The SPARK Museum will open at 11 a.m. each day, with free admission to the galleries, kids activities, special exhibit highlights, unique photo opportunities, raffles and refreshments throughout the weekend. Hours will be extended to 9 p.m. on Saturday and 6 p.m. on Sunday.

"This is a great opportunity to see mind-blowing demonstrations on one-of-a-kind electrical devices that changed the world," says Tana Granack, Director of Operations. "A multitude of activities will include a great mix of scholarship and entertainment."

The Museum will also shock visitors with the premier of its new electrical show featuring an explosion of thunder as the 4 million volt MegaZapper releases giant 10 foot arcs of purple lightning.

The much-anticipated, 45-minute electrical show will be presented at noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Admission to the electrical show is $5. Tickets may be purchased in advance by calling the museum at 360-738-3886, or at the door. Anyone who comes dressed as a "Mad Scientist" will receive free admission to the 6 p.m. electrical show.

"The electrical show has been a vision of ours for many years, and we are thrilled to finally make it a reality," said John Jenkins, SPARK Museum President. "It is sort of Franklin meets Frankenstein - science reality meets science fiction fun." Elements of the electrical show include a wide variety of eye-popping machines reminiscent of Frankenstein's laboratory. The centerpiece is a fantastic Lightning Cage designed and built by world-renowned Steampunk sculptor Ric Allen.

Throughout each day, visitors will be treated to variety of demonstrations, including Ben Franklin and his famous kite experiment; an overview of Thomas Edison's many inventions featuring one of the world's only electric light-bulbs, hand-made by Edison himself (A full schedule is listed below.) KMRE, 102.3 FM, the Museum's own radio station--broadcasting throughout Whatcom County and streaming world-wide on the internet--will offer special programming and on-air opportunities for visitors throughout the day.

The SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention (formerly the American Museum of Radio and Electricity), updated its name in early 2012. The Museum offers compelling, interactive exhibits spanning four centuries of scientific achievement and cultural heritage in a world-class collection of unique objects. It is an exciting and educational experience for audiences of all ages. The SPARK Museum displays the inventions and innovations that changed the course of human history.

Regular hours are Wednesday - Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sundays noon - 4 p.m., and by special appointment, SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention is located at 1312 Bay Street in downtown Bellingham, WA. For more information visit www.sparkmuseum.org or call 360-738-3886.

"IGNITING THE SPARK" - Oct. 13 - 14

11 a.m. - SPARK Museum opens, celebration begins.

All Day - KMRE on-air opportunities, Free admission to galleries, photo ops, kids activities, raffles, refreshments.

noon - Electrical Show ($5) and rare photo op in Lightning Cage

1 p.m. - Spotlight On: Ben Franklin/Kite Experiment/Dawn of Electrical Age

2 p.m. - Spotlight On: Theremin - How to Play World's First Electronic Musical Instrument

3 p.m. - Electrical Show ($5) and rare photo op in Lightning Cage

4 p.m. - Spotlight On: Titanic Disaster - Marconi Wireless Room

5 p.m. - Spotlight On: Eerie Quack Medical Devices (Sat. only)

6 p.m. - Electrical Show ($5) Free admission for "Mad Scientists" in costume - all ages!

Saturday Only:

8 p.m. - Spotlight On: The Inventions of Thomas Edison (5 p.m. Sun.)

9 p.m. - Electrical Show ($5) and rare photo op in Lightning Cage

This press release is from Tana Granack, SPARK director of operations.