DobsonFest 2024
4:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.
COLES CREEK BOAT RAMP, Lake Carlyle, Illinois
SHATTUC, IL 62231
This event will be hosted by the Riverbend Astronomy Club
Come see all kinds of telescopes, including Dobsonian telescopes. Talk to local amateur astronomers. Participate in Astronomy Activities and Register for Prizes.  Bring your own telescope!

Want help learning how to use your telescope? Regardless of type of telescope you have, bring it with you.
We will have demonstrations and tips from local amateur astronomers on how get the maximum enjoyment out of your telescope
Attendance prizes will be drawn throughout the day. You must be present to win.


Timeline
Activities and Demonstrations 4:00-7:00 pm
Attendance Prizes 5:00-7:00 pm
Night Time Telescope Viewing 7:30-9:00 pm
Sunset: 7:10 pm
Twilight begins: 7:37 pm
Twilight ends: 8:40 pm



Directions:
Follow US-50 E 7.6 miles to Boulder Rd.
Turn North onto Boulder Rd. Proceed 2.5 miles.
Turn West onto Wiedle Rd.
Turn North onto Coles Creek Rd. (County Rt. 2400 E)
Turn West again to enter into Coles Creek Recreation Area
Continue on entryway road until arriving at Coles Creek Boat Ramp

Activities and Demonstrations
General info on telescopes and local astronomy clubs
How to select a good first telescope for the family
Display of best telescope accessories
Demonstrations on set up and use of your telescope
Tips on how to clean and align your telescope
What are Library Telescope and Binoculars?
Light Pollution Information
Telescope Making and Mirror grinding
Astrophotography information
Solar System Model Walk
Make a Planisphere
Astronaut food and fun
Meteorite Display
Radio astronomy

Amenities available at Dobfest 2024:
Restrooms with flush toilets as well as portable toilets
Free parking
Telescopes, information tables, and activities.
Wide open skies next to the lake
A food truck available:  Suits Me BBQ and Dessertz (See Menu)
Picnic tables and Pavilion available for dining
Campgrounds close by
(see https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233463 for more information)
Mariner’s Village Hotel (https://marinersvillagecarlylelake.com/) on lake property across from Carlyle Lake Visitors Center as well as  Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant.