PIPESTEM W.Va. (WVDN) – Rocket Fest celebrating West Virginia’s legendary “Rocket Boys” — Homer Hickam, the New York Times #1 bestselling author and former NASA engineer whose memoir Rocket Boys inspired the beloved film October Sky, and his lifelong friend Roy Lee Cooke will take place at the Pipestem Resort Start Park (3405 Pipestem Dr, Pipestem, WV 25979) in Pipestem, WV this Friday, October 17th.
Boyhood friends from Coalwood, West Virginia, Hickam and Cooke return home to the Mountain State for a day filled with rockets, storytelling, and inspiration. Festivities launch bright and early with a live broadcast of WTNJ 105.9 FM’s “Your Morning Cup with Bob” from the McKeever Lodge lobby, featuring on-air interviews and special guests throughout the morning.
Throughout the day, Hickam and Cooke will connect with students during Q&A sessions and educational outreach programs in McKeever Lodge. In the afternoon, the duo will host a community session open to the public and local homeschool groups, offering an opportunity to meet the men who have turned their youthful dreams into reality.
The excitement continues at the Pipestem Championship Golf Course, where the Rocket Boys will lead a special rocket launch demonstration at the driving range — a fitting tribute to their Coalwood roots and lifelong love of science and exploration.
Guests can savor a taste of Appalachia with the Coalwood Way Buffet at the Bluestone Dining Room, featuring favorites from Homer’s hometown like West Virginia Meatloaf, Fried Chicken, Trout, Mac & Cheese, Fried Green Tomatoes, Cornbread, and Rocket Boys Banana Pudding.
As evening falls, the celebration moves to the Black Bear Grill and Mulligan’s Clubhouse with live music, Fat Bottom Coolers, and a can-signing event featuring the Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company’s limited-edition “Oktober Sky Oktoberfest 2025”, a German Märzen-style beer inspired by October Sky.
The full day of food, fun, rockets, books, camaraderie, and Appalachian hospitality at Rocket Fest with, assistance from Conn-Weld Industries, where the spirit of Coalwood still soars at Pipestem Resort State Park.
