Yearly Amateur Astronomers’ Convention Springfield, Vermont
Outside of Springfield is the Tree Farm Campground where the event is held. Most people pitch tents and prepare to see awesome sites in the sky, meet new friends, and learn even more about their passion: astronomy. About 2,000 people gather for the annual convention where you’ll see hundreds of handmade astronomy equipment and prizes are even given for the most impressive and other categories.
If you have no telescope, you’re still welcome at the convention, all you need is an interest in astronomy. Enthusiasts at the convention are happy to let others view their scopes, and the heavens, through their scopes.
The convention is a little unusual in their schedule events, since most people there are waiting for pitch darkness. While people are settling their tents and scopes, others pitch horseshoes, visit nearby McGregor Observatory, or duck into the temporary mess tent for something to eat. There are demonstrations, such as mirror-making how-to’s, but each person’s demonstration must be limited to 10 minutes. Then, if you want, you can learn more about the particular topic, you can meet and discuss it, with the demonstrator, later in the evening.
Although the convention mostly consists of amateur astronomers you’ll also find some professional astronomers in attendance. As the first night continues on, you’ll see hundreds of people setting up their telescopes, and others walking around viewing what others’ have spotted in their own scopes. You’ll see huge telescopes, awkward-looking ones, and even ones built by kids.
The next day of the convention features the ever-popular swap meet where enthusiasts sell everything from slide projectors to super-8 movie cameras. You’ll find lenses, metal fixtures, motors, completed telescopes, books and much more. It’s also the day of judging who has the largest telescope, who is the youngest astronomer, who traveled the furthest to be there, and other contests.
The dinner offered on the second night is a years-long tradition: barbecued chicken, roasted corn on the cob, baked beans and strawberry shortcake. After dinner there are raffles, games, and more fun. Visitors exchange phone numbers, make plans to share a tent next year, or just hug and say good-bye. Many aren’t sad to see each other go, since most will return once again, next year.
Many conventions involve fancy hotel rooms and elegant banquets, but this convention is about being outside, eating from a mess tent and generally “roughing it”. But, you’ll have a great time, view spectacular sites, bring along your family or come alone, and make lots of new friends.
