Event Schedule (Preliminary)
Dark Sky Festival taking place October 25-26, 2024
Friday Afternoon - 5:00 pm:
- Meet and greet with light snacks/ drinks provided.
- Tentative foraging walk scheduled for Friday afternoon, time to be
determined.
Friday Evening - 7:00 pm:
- Informal Star Party begins with an introduction to stars/constellations likely
to be seen.
- Setup telescopes anytime in the afternoon on the grounds.
- Lasting till 11 pm but can extend later if wanted.
Saturday Morning - 8:00 am:
- Nature Walk with MDC naturalist.
- Rest of morning free to explore the area-hike, float, fish, etc.
Saturday Afternoon - 2:00 pm:
- Tabling booths/groups to be set up and active during the afternoon with
speakers/ presenters to have hourly programs.
Saturday Evening - 5:00 pm:
- Break for Dinner
Saturday Evening - 7:00 pm:
- Formal Star Party begins with an introduction to stars/constellations likely
to be seen.
- Lasting till 11 pm but can extend later if wanted.

Location:
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 490
Van Buren, MO 63965
Phone: (573) 323-4236
Big Spring Entrance Station (located south of Van Buren, MO):
- Call (573) 323-4236.
Alley Springs General Store (located west of Eminence, MO):
- Call (573) 226-3945
Round Springs Ranger Station (located north of Eminence, MO):
- Call (573) 858-3297

Accommodations:
Campground information:
- Camping is first come, first serve with 23 electric only sites (no water or
sewer)
- Dump stations available at campground entrance, water hydrants available
at restrooms. $20.00 per night.
- Non-electric sites are $10.00 per night- 20 sites available but more could
open up depending on demand.
Vacation Rentals:
- Multiple vacation rentals available in the area with Vrbo and Airbnb.
Area motels include:
- The Rosecliff Lodge at The Landing
- Big Spring Road Motel
- Current River Inn
- Big Spring RV Camp
- Skyline Drive Vacation Rental
Restaurants:
Some of the most popular restaurants in Van Buren include:
- The Blue Heron Restaurant at The Landing
- Redbeard's Steak and Seafood
- Jolly Cone Drive-In
- Float Stream
- Smalley's Convenience
More Information:
For more information on hotels/restaurants in the area, please visit the Van Buren
Chamber of Commerce website at vanburenmo.com

Questions:
1. Is there a fee for entering the park area or for the event itself?
The event is free.
2. Will there be food vendors? Will food or water be available for public
purchase Friday and Saturday?
Water will be available at hydrants by bathrooms. We will have a big orange cooler with water
to fill attendee water bottles. No water for sale. No food vendors are currently scheduled.
3. What sort of tables/booths are you planning?
Tables include DarkSky, Audubon, MDC, various river groups, Master Naturalist. We hope to get
astronomy groups to do demos and help with telescopes as needed.
4. Will power be available at booths on or at the observing field?
Power is available at pavilion, 3- 220 outlets, 3- 120 outlets
5. Do you know what cellphone reception is like in the viewing area?
Cell phone reception is spotty but was able to get forecast info during eclipse there and take
light meter readings at night.
6. Can we park our cars next to our telescopes?
Cars won’t be allowed to park by telescopes so that visitors can more easily go to each
telescope. However, telescope operators could probably unload/ load then go to parking area
which is very close.
7. Do you plan any merchandise like t-shirts?
We are investigating the possibility of merchandise, but no firm plans yet.
8. What do you recommend volunteers bring and what should the public bring?
Chairs, coolers for food/drinks, insect repellent, sunscreen.
9. Any activities on Sunday?
No activities are planned for Sunday.