Butter Pot Provincial Park hosts Star BQ

Charles Furey, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, is pleased to announce that the department�s Parks and Natural Areas division in cooperation with the St. John�s Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada will be hosting a Star BQ at Butter Pot Provincial Park from August 4 to 6.

"From an astronomical perspective Butter Pot Provincial Park has the highest clear sky elevation on the Avalon Peninsula and is ideally suited for observatory," said Furey. " We recently announced plans to construct an Astronomical and Interpretation Centre at the park, so the Star BQ will be a great prelude to the opening of the centre."

Star BQ will take place in the field behind the comfort station at the Butter Pot Provincial Park and will include many activities relating to astronomy for all ages. Everyone is encouraged to bring along binoculars and telescopes, view the stars, planets and other things, receive tips from expert astronomers and take part in the barbeque and wiener roast.

Activities are scheduled for Friday evening, and all day Saturday and Sunday. Barbequing will take place on Friday from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Individuals are asked to bring their own food for barbequing. Regular provincial park fees apply, but programs, activities and viewing are free.

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Communications, (709) 729-0928.

2000 08 01                  2:50 p.m.