UFO Welcome Center facts for kids
The UFO Welcome Center was a very unusual tourist spot in Bowman, South Carolina. It was built by a man named Jody Pendarvis right in his own backyard! The main part was a giant flying saucer, about 46 feet (14 meters) wide. It was made from wood, fiberglass, and plastic.
This unique structure had a ramp that could go up and down using motors. Inside, it was filled with all sorts of mechanical and electronic parts. It even had a bed, satellite TV, air conditioning, a toilet, and a shower. Jody Pendarvis imagined himself as a greeter for aliens. He wanted to give them a comfy place to rest after their long trips in UFOs.
Contents
What Was the UFO Welcome Center?
Building a Spaceship on Earth
Construction of this amazing saucer started in 1994. It quickly became a popular sight for people passing by. Jody built it with his own hands, using many recycled materials. He wanted it to look like a real spaceship.
Life Inside the Saucer
In 2003, Jody added a smaller saucer, about 20 feet (6 meters) wide, on top of the first one. He even started living in the saucer during the hot summer months. He found it was cooler there than in his nearby mobile home. It was truly a one-of-a-kind home!
A Place for Visitors
Becoming a Local Landmark
The UFO Welcome Center became a well-known local attraction. At first, visitors could enter for just one dollar. Later, there was a blue wooden box for tips. By 2016, the admission fee was $20. People loved to see this strange and wonderful creation.
Featured on TV
In 2001, the center was even shown on a TV show called The Daily Show. Stephen Colbert, a famous comedian, visited the attraction. He gave a funny tour of the saucer, making it even more famous.
Later Years and Changes
New Additions and Updates
Over the years, the UFO Welcome Center saw some changes. On April 22, 2017, someone broke in and stole a flatscreen TV. In May 2018, the center started advertising on a billboard. This sign was placed on a nearby highway, I-26, to attract more visitors.
A Message of Peace
In March 2022, the UFO Welcome Center built something new. It was a nonfunctional missile made from scrap metal. On its side, it had the words "To Puttin" written in white paint. This was a message about a conflict happening far away.
The End of an Era
On May 9, 2024, the UFO Welcome Center sadly burned down. The fire started at 9 AM, and its cause is still unknown. Jody Pendarvis shared his thoughts on the fire. He wondered if "another UFO came by and set the fire." It was a sad end for a truly unique roadside attraction.
