Location

The York County Astronomical Society will host the 19th annual Mason-Dixon Star Party from July 30th through August 3rd.  The MDSP will return to the Shreveport Airport / Footlight Ranch. This facility will provide a large amount of space, which will also be the flattest land that the MDSP has ever been held on. The horizon is extremely flat, stars are visible at less than 10 degrees about the horizon, and light pollution seems to be at a minimum. The Milky Way was easily visible the night we first went to see the location. Observing can me made from the airport taxiway or runway. 

See our Map page for directions.  Registrations and souvenir purchases can be made on our Registration page.  When available, a downloadable document will be provided with a mail-in registration, and all of the event details, directions and schedule.

Lasers

We will not be allowing the use of green lasers at this Star Party. We apologize for the inconvenience, but due to public safety, liability, and astrophotography concerns, we will not permit the use of green laser pointers. Also, all lights must be red filtered. (We are not the only star party to do this).

Event Site

There is no electric or water on the camping field.  There will be water at the Little Hut (described below), near the runway, as well as showers and men's and women's flush toilets.  We will be providing additional Jiffy Johns to place along the taxiway, which is over 2500 feet long.  Participants will set up their camps along either side of the taxiway, and there will be a wide path between the camps for safe walking at night.

Camping is permitted on the taxiway on the south side of the runway.  The runway will be closed for the event.  We are allowed to use the runway for ballgames or other activities, including observing, but not camping.

Camping fees include the following:  the use of public showers and restroom facilities at the Little Hut, volley ball and horseshoes (equipment provided by owner), and trash removal.  We will provide trash bags to all attendees, as well as 55-gallon bags for the trash drums (he has 4 drums).  The owner will collect the trash, however, we will ask all participants to take trash to either the dumpster or a central location.  We will be collecting the camping fees for the site owner upon your arrival.  Please let us know in advance if you plan to use the huts. The POOL is available for an extra fee, $6 per person per day (all ages), collected by the lifeguard.  Pool hours 11am-6pm.  No glassware permitted anywhere near the pool area.  YCAS does not keep the camping fees.  They collect them on behalf of the event site owner.

Hut Accommodations:  This has overnight accommodations for 40 people, for the following rates:  $15 per person or $35 per family per night.  Sheets, pillows, and blankets are provided.  The accommodations consist of cubicles with sleeping for 4 (2 bunk beds) and a dresser, with a curtain for privacy.  Shared restrooms and showers are available.  Access to the swimming pool is also included with these fees.  Not quite a hotel room, but not camping, either.  We do not keep the receipts for the huts.  We will collect the fees for the huts when you arrive where they are then passed on to the site owner.

Food

This years caterer will be Bluesman Smokehouse and BAR B Q. See the Refreshments page for details

Unfortunately, May's Munchables will be unable to cater our event this year as previously announced due to family health problems.

Saturday Picnic

* There will be a picnic free of charge to all registered adults and families.  See the sidebar for the menu.

Raffle / Vendors

 We will provide as many vendors as possible.  See the schedule to see what times the vendors will be open.  Many of these vendors are also providing door prizes.  You can win a door prize by purchasing raffle tickets.  Our list of raffle prizes are updated in our Raffle page, and prizes stream in until the day of the event.

Schedule

There will be scheduled times for telescope and photo contests.  Additionally several speakers will be scheduled for a variety of topics.  We have a a modern audio-visual system which will provide an excellent experience for all the attendees.  Check our Schedule page as it is updated

Contact us if you want to be a speaker!

 

Picnic Menu (Free)*

• PIG ROAST
• Chicken Breast Filets
• Hamburgers
• Hot Dogs / Sauerkraut
• Corn on the Cob
• Side Dishes
• Salads
• Drinks
• Ice Cream

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