I tend to side with EdZ on this question for most groups. Lighttrap, I just did that last weekend with the Fujinon 16x70/parallelogram pointed to Jupiter. The Cub Scout kids ran all around the campground telling their friends to "go see Jupiter". And the parallelogram mount was perfect for the range of sizes.
There should be another thread on what objects to view at a public star party. With binoculars, something like the brighter planets, Beehive or Wild Duck open clusters, or a comet (if luck will have it) would achieve the desired effect... (i.e. impressing first time viewers and not turning them off with prices.) Second time visitors are already hooked, so show them the big dobs!
-------------------- Gary
Collins I3 (Thin Film) Image Intensifying Eyepiece
Coronado Maxscope DS 90 <0.5A w/BF30
152 mm f/8 TMB/A&M Carbon Fiber APO; f/5 with 4" Borg ED Field Flattener/Reducer
20" Obsession/OMI Mirror/Servocat/Argo Navis
First Light for the 30" Obsession at BEOTS!