Mark you calendars for the 2008 SJAC SPRING STAR PARTY! The Star Party will be held at one of the darkest sites in the region -- the athletic field at Belleplain State forest. This has been the location of our traditional fall star party. Below is information about this "no frills" event, with links to a registration form.

Registration for the Spring Star Party is $20 per person when you register upon arrival at the event. You can save 50%, though, by pre-registering before April 4 for only $10 per person!

CAMPING ON THE OBSERVING FIELD

Your registration automatically covers your cost of camping on the Belleplain athletic field. You may also park your vehicle at your site, including vans, SUV's, pickups, pop-ups, motor homes and trailers. Open fires are prohibited on the field. Restroom and shower facilities are nearby in the campground areas. If you camp in the Belleplain campground areas, the cost is $15/night and you must register at the Forest Office (609-861-2404). This fee is separate from the Star Party registration fee!

PARKING

There is plenty of free parking adjacent to the observing/camping field. No driving is permitted on the observing field after dark, so you must leave your car in the nearby lot if you plan to leave during the night.

FOOD

This is a "no frills" event. There will be no food provided. Several restaurants, diners and stores are located nearby, or you can bring your own goodies to eat.

ARRIVAL TIME

Access to the observing/camping field will start at 3:00 PM on Friday, April 4th. We urge you to be there as early as possible, certainly before nightfall since no driving will be permitted on the field after 9:00 PM.

RULES OF THE ROAD

Common sense and courtesy apply ... No alcohol is permitted in the State Forest, and we discourage loud music. No pets. Red lights should be used after dark, please! No green laser pointers.

EVENTS

Individuals are welcome to set up "swap tables." In general, this is being planned as a "no frills" event. There are no speakers, or catered meals.

DIRECTIONS

The entrance to Belleplain State Forest is located on the south side of Route 550, between Woodbine and Belleplain. It is located about ten miles northwest of exit 17 off the Garden State Parkway.

GETTING THERE...

Directions to Belleplain State Forest

The SJAC observing site is located on the athletic field at Belleplain State Forest. It is easily accessable from major traffic routes in the area, including the Garden State Parkway, Route 47, Route 49 and other arteries. Once at Belleplain, check at the Ranger Station by the entrance, or follow the "star" signs which point the way to the SkyWatch. The field is located on the far side of Lake Nummy, and there's plenty of parking available.

From the Garden State Parkway...

From Cumberland County and points north...

NEED MORE INFO?

Need more information? E-mail Ray Maher

or write: RAY MAHER, PO Box 120, Port Elizabeth, NJ 08348..

READY TO PRE-REGISTER?

Here's our handy form. Just click, print it out, and mail to the address provided. We look forward to seeing you at the 2008 SPRING STAR PARTY!