Western Outdoor Times - Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!

Join local astronomy experts, Tony and Carole La Conte, from Stargazing for Everyone, on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Desert Outdoor Center at Lake Pleasant as they bring the universe to you!

Learn about the constellations, planets, star clusters and nebulas as you peer through large telescopes and binoculars and enjoy stories about the night sky. The two-hour stargazing event is a great way to learn about the galaxy while taking advantage of the beautiful weather.

Halloween Theme

In addition to the stargazing program, this family friendly event will feature a kids'costume contest, spook-tacular crafts, and the centers creepy, crawly deserts critters. Park visitors are invited to get into the Halloween spirit by dressing in costume, or coming as they are.

For guests who don't have time to grab a bite to eat before the event, staff will be grilling up, and selling hamburgers, hot dogs and chilled beverages so everyone can focus on the festivities rather than loud belly growls.

Family Event

"This is a great family event, one where the kids can have fun, get in the Halloween spirit and learn about the skies above. How the stars are aligned, how they form constellations, how the nighttime darkness is not something to be feared, but to be explored," said Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Clint Hickman, District 4.

Attendees are encouraged to bring binoculars, digital cameras, lawn chairs and blankets for comfort. The park entrance opens at 6:30 p.m. and the presentation will begin at 7:30 p.m. There is a $6 per vehicle park entry fee for the event and reservations are not required.

At Lake Pleasant

The Desert Outdoor Center at Lake Pleasant is located at 41402 N. 87th Avenue in Peoria (just east of Lake Pleasant Regional Park). For additional information, visit http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/doc or phone (602) 372-7470 ext. 208.