On Mar 7, 2023, at 1:00 PM, Phil De Rosa <philderosa1@...> wrote:

?Hello everyone!? And thanks to the early birds who have registered already!?

I've been involved helping or running some version of this star party since my first party in 1994, through recessions, high fuel prices, bad weather, club politics, and managed to make it through Covid, and I didn't even mention my own personal stuff (and I won't), but one of the most rewarding things is I get to see the support many of you have given to this event year after year, and newbies learning what a star party is,? That support, and the fun I see people having behind the eyepiece or the camera on a clear night, gives me the ambition to keep this party going.

I'd like to do more, though.? I retired last August, and I am going to be spending more time to put more things on the agenda.? This is a smaller party venue than the 325 attendees I saw from the mid-'90s to the early 2000's, but we don't need that many to do something with this party.? And frankly, that was a lot of work.? This size is a lot more fun for many people, including me.

First, I plan on having speakers this year.? I have been purchasing equipment and learning how to maximize daytime speaking events in the pavilion.? If you can do a short talk that would interest our attendees, please contact me ASAP and let me know.? Could be about anything astronomy, or perhaps another general interest topic about camping or solar power for field trips.

Second, I would like to increase attendance consistently so I can approach food venders with a venue that they won't go broke at.? They may be here to have fun, but they can't donate food or throw it away.? So far we have only approached around 50% of full capacity at this site, and only twice.? My guess is that we need about 70% or more to have vendors take the risk.? Otherwise, and until then, planning on cooking your own meals and patronizing the closest establishments will continue to be your best choices.

Third, the state requires a small games of chance license from Lancaster County for a raffle, and I could look into that.? However, vendors used to donate awesome prizes to parties, but they have stopped a lot of that.
Until then, though, we can have a swap meet, which I will encourage this year.

I used to sell in advance t-shirts, caps, golf shirts, sweatshirts, and even fanny packs, which people liked, but printers need a minimum order every year, and I can't afford to stock multiple sizes and colors.? Until now I couldn't even think about the time involved.? That might also take a volunteer to handle the ordering and delivery.

And did I mention there were contests?? Not sure if we'll ever have enough attendees for some of that.

This will require some help from all of you.? What I ask is this:? If you can attend, please do so.? This isn't free here, and the expenses need to be covered.? I've invested in equipment including a SHOWER TENT that I plan to put up for use at every future party.? I'm still trying to figure out the hot water and waste capture, but it's a work in progress.

The next thing is to please help spread the word by email and newsletters to your friends, clubs, and through astro calendars you know of (please send me the links and I'll submit the info).? This is my next project... we are only 3 months from the June Party!? And let's not forget September's party.

I will be considering suggestions for alternate dates for 2024 due to summer holidays, which are not acceptable for the state because of their prime season, and possibly using last quarter weekends when possible.? I would like to get input from a future email on this topic.

Well, that covers most things for now.?
Please stay tuned, I, along with some help, will be updating the YCSP website, this .io group site, META (facebook), as well as the web calendars ASAP.? I want to hit the ground running for June's party.
Thanks everyone!? I can't do this without all of you!
Phil