Festival Of Stars Shining Bright In North Frontenac

Sep 13, 2023

There has been a lot of hand-wringing in Toronto over the last couple of weeks because of a lack of star power at TIFF (The Toronto International Film Festival) due to Hollywood strikes.

But there is no such problem at the North Frontenac Astronomy Park on Road 506. This weekend will see the second annual Festival of the Stars, and barring too much cloud cover, there is nothing stopping the spectacular North Frontenac Night Sky from putting on a show for those who come out to the festival.

The festival kicks off on Friday afternoon, as experts will be on hand to help set up equipment for the opening night.

At 7:30 pm, Tim Trentadue will give a talk on Basic and Intermediate Astrophotography, and there will be a Laser Guided Star Tour for families starting at 8:30 pm, followed by a night of stars.

On Saturday (September 16) the day starts early with a pancake breakfast at the Clar Mil Hall from 7:30-11am. From 1 pm until 5:15 pm a series of speakers will be presenting.

They include: Astrophotography in light polluted skies – Tariq Bur, The Journey from beginner to not-so beginner with Nicholas Savard, Southern Skies in the Atacama Desert, Chile with Gary Colwell, and at 7:30 pm, the keynote speaker will be Marc Fitkin, on Sidewalk Astronomy & Public Observing.

Another laser guided star tour follows the speakers.

The main event, on Sunday, (September 17) is the prize draw at 10 am.

Registration for this free event takes place from 1:30 pm at the Astronomy Park, (5816 Road 506) on both Friday and Saturday.