It's Astronomical Barbecue and Star Party time again at Cerro Coso Community College. The community loves this family friendly fundraising event where they enjoy great food, children's activities, outdoor games, music and are exposed to the beauty and wonders of the night skies. This year's signature event will be held at the Ridgecrest Campus on Friday, September 27, 2019.
Mark your calendars for this fun-filled fundraiser to benefit Cerro Coso Community College and the Dr. Alexis Shlanta Observatory.
A barbecue dinner will be held on the lawn in front of the Library from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and the Star Party will get underway at 7:30 p.m. at the Observatory. For those desiring transportation, golf carts will be running continuously from the Library parking lot to the Observatory and back. Major stars and constellations will be pointed out by college staff, students, and enthusiasts from the China Lake Astronomical Society. There will be a number of different telescope stations set up inside the Observatory compound for public viewing and education.
Star parties have been an important part of the amateur astronomy scene for many years. The Maturango Museum's portable planetarium will help star gazers scour the skies at this year's event. All are invited to enjoy the wonders of the night sky.
Tickets for the event may be purchased at Red Rock Books, Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce, and the Cerro Coso Business Office. Dinner will include a grilled tri-tip sandwich, salad, beans, drink, and dessert for $15.
Special thanks goes to this year's event sponsors: Baskin Mechanical Engineers and Sylvia Sotomayor. President's Circle Sponsors: Mather Brothers Inc., Ridgecrest Regional Hospital, Desert Valleys Federal Credit Union, and JB.
For more information on this family evening of fun, call the College at (760) 384-6262.
Picture Caption: CCCC staff members Katie Bachman, Kellen Nelepovitz, Kari Benson, Amber Reed, Lauren Falk, and Fabian Meneses have some fun in the photo booth at the 2018 event. More than 400 people enjoyed this signature event of the Foundation's last year.
