429 replies to this topic

[Butchmohican]

When does registration open for the 2024 Black Forest Star Party scheduled for September 6-8, 2024 at Cherry Springs S.P.?  How do you register? 

[George N]

When does registration open for the 2024 Black Forest Star Party scheduled for September 6-8, 2024 at Cherry Springs S.P.?  How do you register? 

 

You register on-line using the link on their website: https://bfsp.org/  -- which currently says "registration will open summer 2024" -- which means - who knows - but as early as the end of this month.

 

Keep an eye on posts right here on Cloudy Nights - and check that web site every day starting at least late June. BFSP registration has a history of filling up in a day or three - but Cherry Springs Star Party 2024 filled up in just a few hours!

 

In the meantime - if you are new to star parties, Cherry Springs state park, etc -- read up on it - right here on CN and links off of the BFSP page.

 

Alas, given the dates this year it is very unlikely that I'll be there - altho I did make the last two BFSP - including staying an extra clear night after the event.

 

Plus - there are two more moonless windows to head to Cherry Springs *before* BFSP - July (hope to be there) and August (I'll be at Stellafane). Then there's October, which can be a wonderful time to observe from Cherry Springs! It gets dark early, starts with good Milky Way views, features lots of 'water constellation' galaxy fields, and morning has Orion fairly high up. One year I had 5 clear dark nights in a row, pretty leaf colors, and it only went below freezing two nights - and not until around 3 AM.

Edited by George N, 02 June 2024 - 11:07 AM.

[scottmm2012]

 

 

Plus - there are two more moonless windows to head to Cherry Springs *before* BFSP - July (hope to be there) and August (I'll be at Stellafane). Then there's October, which can be a wonderful time to observe from Cherry Springs! It gets dark early, starts with good Milky Way views, features lots of 'water constellation' galaxy fields, and morning has Orion fairly high up. One year I had 5 clear dark nights in a row, pretty leaf colors, and it only went below freezing two nights - and not until around 3 AM.

 

Unfortunately, weekend of the new moon falls on the first weekend in August which also occurs during the Woodsmen Show.  Stated on the Cherry Springs State Park website.

"All visitors must vacate the Overnight Astronomy Observation Field no later than 3:00 PM on Sunday, July 28th 2024, in preparation of the Cherry Springs 2023 72nd Annual Woodsmen Show.  Overnight visitors unrelated to the operation of the Woodsmen Show may not occupy the Overnight Astronomy Observation Field until after 5:00 PM Tuesday, August 6th 2024.**

The Night Sky Public Viewing Area and the Cherry Springs Rustic Campground is still open to all visitors. Campsites can be reserved at Reserve America or by calling 1-888-PAPARKS.

Cherry Springs State Park Map"

[George N]

Unfortunately, weekend of the new moon falls on the first weekend in August which also occurs during the Woodsmen Show.  .....

Bummer -- you would think "they" (the park staff and event organizers) could work this out years in advance - and put the Woodsmen on a moonie weekend. But they did 'have' the Park first. I guess they got use to a traditional date.

 

For me personally - it's pretty much a non-issue because - new moon in August is almost always Stellafane - and for me and my friends - there's Stellafane, and *then* there's everything else! I'm a late-comer - starting in 1995 - but many of my friends have been going to Stellafane since they were teens in the 1970's.

 

Also - you can always just use the field at Cherry Springs before or after the Woodsman Weekend - with little or no moon impact. Actually, I like a little moon in twilight. Oh - I've not been upset by it - but the park is a little messy right after the Woodsman show -- saw dust and such - maybe a few mud holes.

Edited by George N, 19 June 2024 - 01:34 PM.

[peleuba]

Bummer -- you would think "they" (the park staff and event organizers) could work this out years in advance - and put the Woodsmen on a moonie weekend. But they did 'have' the Park first. I guess they got use to a traditional date.

 

 

Saw dust, wood chips, ruts in the mud etc are all part of the Cherry Springs experience after the Woodsman show...   I had always heard the long term plan is to move the Woodsman show across the street, but have no idea if that will be a reality.  Perhaps once the new entrance to the park is complete which is scheduled to be this Fall.  

 

Also on an unrelated note...   A friend who is a server at Fezz's Diner confirmed to me that its now permanently closed.  I've been eating at Fezz's since the early 2000's.  It was always a reliable place to get a meal - especially breakfast.  On a number of occasions after "all-nighter" observing sessions as the sun rises we'd get in the car and go to Fezz's Diner.  Also, the Orion Inn (formerly Sweden Valley Inn) has been closed for a few months and has been sold.  The new owner is waiting for the license transfer to occur.  The Orion Inn (and Sweden Valley Inn before it) was a terrific place to get lunch/dinner. 

[George N]

.....  A friend who is a server at Fezz's Diner confirmed to me that its now permanently closed.  I've been eating at Fezz's since the early 2000's.  It was always a reliable place to get a meal - especially breakfast.  On a number of occasions after "all-nighter" observing sessions as the sun rises we'd get in the car and go to Fezz's Diner.  Also, the Orion Inn (formerly Sweden Valley Inn) has been closed for a few months and has been sold.  The new owner is waiting for the license transfer to occur.  The Orion Inn (and Sweden Valley Inn before it) was a terrific place to get lunch/dinner. 

Sad..... all big-time losses. I liked and ate at all of them.

[bigbangbaby]

What was the name of the restaurant in Coudersport that is now a Sheetz?  Also, is Olga's still open?

[John O'Hara]

Bummer -- you would think "they" (the park staff and event organizers) could work this out years in advance - and put the Woodsmen on a moonie weekend. But they did 'have' the Park first. I guess they got use to a traditional date.

 

I've heard the same thing regarding this.  Although it's a little hard for me to imagine this happening as it would be hard to control access to an area where the public is used to coming and going freely night and day.  This would be especially problematic at night as I assume the Woodsmens' show equipment remains setup all night during the time of the event.  Security on that side would be a challenge.

[Skywatchr]

Bummer -- you would think "they" (the park staff and event organizers) could work this out years in advance - and put the Woodsmen on a moonie weekend. But they did 'have' the Park first. I guess they got use to a traditional date.

 

I've heard the same thing regarding this.  Although it's a little hard for me to imagine this happening as it would be hard to control access to an area where the public is used to coming and going freely night and day.  This would be especially problematic at night as I assume the Woodsmens' show equipment remains setup all night during the time of the event.  Security on that side would be a challenge.

Plus the fact the State event schedules take precedence over any private "leased" scheduling.   The Woodsman's Competition has been around much longer than any Astronomy activities. The Woodsman's event is always held near the same time of the month, and in same Month regardless of the "moon phase". That's not going to change. It's a daytime event with equipment set up for the duration.  It's up to the Clubs (sponsors) of Astronomy (or other) events to schedule around them.

Once the State's events are moved to another location, then scheduling for private leased events should not be impacted.  But the State always works based on their schedules (and politics), not ours so that may take a while. The paperwork alone for the State to do anything, is complicated and mountainous.  Then the "studies", etc. need to be completed before finalizing any paperwork. Then comes any scheduling for the work itself that needs to be worked in and coordinated with already scheduled work projects.  For us, it seems like an eternity we wish was done a decade ago.

[peleuba]

What was the name of the restaurant in Coudersport that is now a Sheetz?  Also, is Olga's still open?

 

OK, wait.  I am not sure what you mean by the restaurant that is now a Sheetz...  Sheetz did (a few years back) move across and down the street but its not occupying an existing restaurant that I recall.  Its a new building with quadruple the amount of gas pumps they originally had at the old corner location.

 

Olga's is not open.  And neither is the Crittenden hotel which also had a fire.

 

Astronomy is now the #1 recreational activity in Potter County.   I was surprised to read this but, apparently its eclipsed (sorry) hunting/fishing/snow mobile use/4-wheeling etc.  And, I know I've become a broken-record on this, but its imperative that we as astronomers eat/visit/buy from local businesses.  To this end, here is a list of current restaurants that serve the area.  Some are better then others.  All are decent.

 

Kay-Tees
251 US-6
Coudersport, PA 16915
(814) 274-8862

 

Three Point Inn
9839 RT 155
Austin, PA.
(814) 642-2202

 

Gary's Putter Golf
End of Route 44 at Route 6

 

Potter County Pub
1050 Costello Rd, Austin, PA,
(814) 647-1248

 

A & W Grill West End
431 US-6
Coudersport, PA 16915
(814) 320-3800

 

Trails End at the Waldheim Bar and Grill
1386 Germania Rd
Galeton, PA 16922
(814) 435-3434

 

Pine Creek Inn
1637 US-6 West
Galeton, PA 16922
(814) 435-2682

 

Permastone
247 Route 6 East
Galeton, PA
(814) 435-6700

 

Plaza Cafe
26 West St, Galeton, PA 16922
(814) 435-1100

 

Log Cabin
3646 US-6
Wellsboro, PA 16901
(814) 435-8808

 

Vinny's Bar and Grill
762 N Main St. Coudersport Pa 16915
814-320-0381

Edited by peleuba, 25 June 2024 - 12:50 PM.

[peleuba]

Sad..... all big-time losses. I liked and ate at all of them.

 

Me too, George!   I am usually at the park a week or so at a time.  I only cook about a third to a half the time and go out for meals the rest. 

 

On rainy days, We'll take a field trip to Wellsboro which is about 50 minutes from the park.  Its a terrific drive and there are TONS of good places to eat in Wellsboro. 

 

I have met some really nice "locals" the last ~28 years or so.  Coudy was a more vibrant place when Adelphia was still in business, but even now it still retains its small town charm.  

[bigbangbaby]

OK, wait.  I am not sure what you mean by the restaurant that is now a Sheetz...  Sheetz did (a few years back) move across and down the street but its not occupying an existing restaurant that I recall.  Its a new building with quadruple the amount of gas pumps they originally had at the old corner location.

 

Olga's is not open.  And neither is the Crittenden hotel which also had a fire.

 

 

Yes, I heard about the hotel fire. Bummer Olga's is closed. The owners are really nice people. My mistake about Sheetz supplanting a restaurant. For some reason I thought Kay-Tee's was gone.  Good to know it's not. They serve an excellent breakfast.

[peleuba]

Yes, I heard about the hotel fire. Bummer Olga's is closed. The owners are really nice people. My mistake about Sheetz supplanting a restaurant. For some reason I thought Kay-Tee's was gone.  Good to know it's not. They serve an excellent breakfast.

 

No worries, I don't live in Coudersport just a semi-frequent visitor, so had to think about the new location of Sheetz and what was there prior.  I don't think it was a restaurant.  Might have been a used car dealer...  But don't quote me on that either!

 

Kay-Tees also caught fire in the Spring of 2021.  It took a while to rebuild, but its back.  And, yes, agree.  The breakfasts are really good.  I liked it better then Fezz's.  

[Tom Picciani]

There’s Pine Creek, 5 miles west of Galeton. And I found there’s a breakfast place called Mae’s Kitchen in Galeton as well. Pine Creek has mostly bar food, but they have a soup and salad bar.

[Phillip Creed]

Maybe Vegas will have an over/under betting pool for the number of minutes one can actually register for BFSP.  The 55-minute window for June's CSSP was discouraging.

If I get out to Cherry Springs, it will on an off-party week / weekend.  I'm not even going to entertain the race-for-the-keyboard for this year's BFSP.

Clear Skies,

Phil

[Ac2aj]

I know people who are waiting just to buy the max 5 tickets in case their friends want to go or sell them. Not cool. It should be lower than that or Non transferable and names to get hem. Plus you have to account for the people that are given early notice of when the site will be open. I would guess the people who run the star party gives their regular friends and attendees info on the side so they can get in.

[impreza276]

I'm sure the organizers are trying their best to make registration as fair as they can. They are in an impossible situation and I have sympathy for them. I'm actually surprised that the Central Pennsylvania Observers does not give its members first dibs or guaranteed slots for those who want. Five is indeed high. I hope they bring it down to two.

Edited by impreza276, 02 July 2024 - 11:33 PM.

[Skywatchr]

I'm sure the organizers are trying their best to make registration as fair as they can. They are in an impossible situation and I have sympathy for them. I'm actually surprised that the Central Pennsylvania Observers does not give its members first dibs or guaranteed slots for those who want. Five is indeed high. I hope they bring it down to two.

The 5 option is only supposed to for immediate family members. But kiddies always lie about it because it is "cool to lie"...  That's a punch below the belt for those of us who are honest.  Obtaining one or two for friends is fine by me.  But not all 5! 

 

CPO members that are part of the staff do not need tickets.  They are necessary.  About the only thing other members could know, is the time and date registration opens.  That's no advantage at all because we all get to see the announcement beforehand.  If we are paying attention that is.

[symbiosis]

Does anyone know the approximate date of when registration opens? I keep checking the site every time I remember, but am afraid I'm going to miss it.

[Skywatchr]

Does anyone know the approximate date of when registration opens? I keep checking the site every time I remember, but am afraid I'm going to miss it.

Sometime late July, or early August.  The actual date hasn't been decided on yet.  And it will be using Eventbrite like CSSP uses. Apparently there are no more mail-in registrations.  That can be a royal pain to deal with so I see it as a plus for CPO.

[symbiosis]

Sometime late July, or early August.  The actual date hasn't been decided on yet.  And it will be using Eventbrite like CSSP uses. Apparently there are no more mail-in registrations.  That can be a royal pain to deal with so I see it as a plus for CPO.

Thanks. So, I just have to check the site every day. I'll try to remember not to forget.

[Skywatchr]

Thanks. So, I just have to check the site every day. I'll try to remember not to forget.

I am sure they will announce the date and time beforehand.  Previous attendees are supposed to get a notification as well.

[bigbangbaby]

Perhaps the organizers may consider reducing the number of tickets an individual can purchase from five to, say, two. I recall the original five ticket limit was to accommodate families. But that was when registration was mail in. Online registration simplifies the task for organizers but it also makes it much more challenging to get a ticket. If attendance is capped at 500, theoretically just 100 registrants could sell out the event. CSSP sold out in record time, much to the dismay of many who tried to register later the same day. 
 

Another idea. Work with the park service to reserve the public viewing area for the star party. Porta potties, food vendors, and some lockable power stations (facility upgrade) would make the area self sufficient so people wouldn’t have to cross Rte 44 at night. 

[Skywatchr]

 

Another idea. Work with the park service to reserve the public viewing area for the star party. Porta potties, food vendors, and some lockable power stations (facility upgrade) would make the area self sufficient so people wouldn’t have to cross Rte 44 at night. 

This will never fly.  We've collectively, over the past 2+ decades, donated time and money to the dedicated observing field.  The infrastructure (and buildings) is already in place, with plans for improvements.  The public side is for public use with it's own list of improvements, including the Federal "Stars and Parks" events.  The State would never consider changing that.  And frankly, I would never consider it myself.

[George N]

........
 

Another idea. Work with the park service to reserve the public viewing area for the star party. Porta potties, food vendors, and some lockable power stations (facility upgrade) would make the area self sufficient so people wouldn’t have to cross Rte 44 at night. 

It's a state park - completely closing it off to the public is not gonna fly - especially since their 'budget' and support in the legislature depends in part on 'numbers of people' using a park, not income. The public event attracts another 500 (been as many as 2000+ on good weather nights!). Again, this is a public state park, not a private facility like many of the Western star parties' venues - or Stellafane. There is still a little land that could be used on the 'South Side' - like the field behind the vendors' tent. I suppose if more vendors don't start coming and supporting the star party - perhaps that area could be used for attendees?

 

The basic problem is - the venue is limited to about 500 for the purpose of a star party and its non-observing events. Even that seems to strain the facilities and grounds - with failed toilets, damaged lawn areas, AC power limits, etc.

 

The even bigger problem is: light pollution! If there were more dark locations it would take the pressure off of the star parties - which would then attract the "more social" an not so much 'advanced' hobbyists looking for a super-dark sky experience.

 

Anyway - you will all have at least one extra chance at those 500 registrations! I'm not coming this year - and will be at my Bortle 2 camp in the Adirondacks. Several of my friends were less than happy with last year's crowding, night-time conditions, and the food vendor. They were saying "not coming back" last year and I've heard no plans to go this year from them. (Unfortunately, one friend who has been attending BFSP since the very first one, recently died.) That will free up about 10 to 15 spots.

 

Perhaps - to be 'fair' - the star party organizers need to move to a 'lottery'. That way even those who don't check every day can have a shot at a ticket.

Edited by George N, 06 July 2024 - 10:10 AM.