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Anonymous
Unregistered
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I was thinking of hosting my own star party at the local state park. The problem is I don't really know where to start or how long it should be and stuff like that. I was
wondering if any of you had some suggestions.
Thanks, John
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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John, contact your local park service first to make sure it is ok to use the facilities...most parks close at dusk.
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Would they give me a special warrant or something?
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Well, I would think they wouldn't lock the gate at night to begin with! 
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EdZ
Professor EdZ
Reged: 02/15/02
Posts: 18806
Loc: Cumberland, R I , USA42N71.4W
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I do star parties for schools. In my community, every property I use requires prior approval, unless it is a private property of a friend. Prior approval usually includes a formal letter of request and a letter of permission from the owner. City parks and State parks require a User Permit be held in hand while at the property and prior notification of police and fire.
best place to try your hand at star parties is in your own backyard for groups of 20-30. Step up in phases.
edz
--------------------
Teach a kid something today. The feeling you'll get is one of life's greatest rewards.
member#21
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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I hope they don't give you a warrant. Hopefully a permit.
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Hi John,
Congratulations on your desire to reach out!
I've hosted a few for my local school system targeted at the 4th and 5th grade students and their families. I get lots of help from my astronomy club and a couple of other local ones. I also help out at as many as I can possibly attend.
My suggestions would be:
1) Decide how large you want the group. If you're going to have more than 20 or so, you'll need other folks with scopes to help you out. I'd start small and maybe do it at home if possible. You really don't need especially dark skies for star parties because of my next point.
2) Plan on showing of the brightest objects in the sky. The WOW factor is critical to success. Showing off the Owl nebula won't get you any return attendees. 
3) Plan on a couple of hours. You'll get a few that will want to stay later (if you can, stay out with them), but most will be done and gone by then.
4) Keep it simple. I've been at some very complex events and the more things going on, the more likely you are to have a problem. Especially at your first few.
Hope this helps,
Dave
P.S. Where are you? Maybe I can help.
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