Branched Oak Observatory is pleased to announce the 8th Annual Fall Star-B-Q on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2021. 5PM to 11PM. (Come anytime between those hours).

The Empire Strikes Back…

By popular demand, the 501st Legion- Central Garrison (a Star Wars anachronism group), will be BACK for this year’s StarBQ. You will see Stormtroopers and a number of other nefarious Star Wars characters roaming the grounds. Bring your cameras (and lightsabers) for some amazing photo opportunities. Appearing 6:00 to 8:00pm.

For the kids, we will have Space-Crafts in the classroom to “make and take” awesome projects, as well as a play area out on the field with flying-saucer golf, Blackhole (our version of Cornhole), science demonstrations, our Giant Moon Map, safe Solar Viewing, and more. 5:00-8:00PM (5-7 for Solar Viewing).

The UNL Society of Physics Students will dazzle and entertain you with awesome science demonstrations. 5:00-8:00.

Optional BBQ dinner will be available from Fat Fergs Food Truck. Food Service between 5:00-8:00pm.

During Dinner, the Smokin Toads will be playing your favorite Classic Rock & Blues tunes. Live music between 5:00-8:00pm

Around 8:30 PM, our Raffle Prize winners will be announced. Optional Raffle Tickets will be for sale ($5 ea.) between 5:00 and 8:00pm. Amazing prizes include an 8″ Dobsonian Telescope, a Tabletop Telescope, a DJI Drone, astrophotography prints, Bushnell Binoculars, astronomy books, and more!

During our regular Raffle announcement, we will also announce the winners of this Month’s Community Superstar Recognition Raffle. This month, our Community Superstars are members of the Armed Forces. In fact, we will have a *separate drawing* for ALL SIX branches of the Armed Forces. Winners will take home a pair of Vortex Crossfire Binoculars.

Once dark, we will be viewing the night sky through our many telescopes, and through the equipment of area amateur astronomers from Lincoln and Omaha clubs. You will have the opportunity to see Planets Jupiter, Saturn, The Ring Nebula, the Andromeda Galaxy, and so much more!

The Fall StarBQ event is FREE to the General Public, although Dinner and Raffle Tickets require an optional purchase.

This community event is FREE thanks to our primary sponsor- Security First Bank and our supporting sponsors. We also wish to thank the Prairie Astronomy Club, Omaha Astronomical Society, our own Branched Oak Observatory volunteers, the UNL Society of Physics Students, and of course the Central Garrison – 501st Legion!

*Unfortunately the “Eclipse Fire Freaks” (the glow-in-the-dark juggling & dancing troop originally appearing at the StarBQ), had to cancel due to injuries sustained in a car accident. Our family at Branched Oak Observatory wishes them a quick recovery and hopes they will be able to join us next year.