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When
to plan your Star Party
An
evening with nice weather, few clouds and a Space Station
sighting opportunity is best. Check for the best International
Space Station sighting opportunities in your area
and plan your party around that opportunity.
Where
to plan your Star Party
A local museum or observatory, a park or an open field,
or even your own backyard are good places to throw a
party. Have a facility available to go inside, and enough
activities to entertain the kids if the weather turns
bad. You can always go back outside when the weather
clears. You may also want to check weather related Web
sites for forecasts of your area.
Viewing
the Stars
Even though you want the highlight of your party to
be the International Space Station passing overhead,
you also want to allow plenty of time for stargazing.
Rent or borrow a telescope and be sure to have a constellation
map nearby.
You
could allow the following time for each activity for a
2 ½ hour party agenda
|
20 minutes | Greet
arrivals, socializing for adults, free play time
for kids | |
20 minutes | Refreshments | |
30 minutes | Arts
and crafts for kids | |
30 minutes | Organized
games, activities and space
trivia | |
30 minutes | Stargazing
and watching the Space Station fly overhead | | 20
minutes | Socializing
for adults, free play time for kids |
Star
Party Planning Schedule
4-6
weeks in advance
 | Select
date and time for party | | Choose
location for party and make reservations, if necessary | | Develop
party agenda (arts and crafts, refreshments, etc) | | Book
entertainment, if any | | Don't
forget to run the Skywatch
applet and check the weather forecast |
3-4
weeks in advance
| Purchase
invitations | | Mail
invitations (2 ½ weeks before party) | | Plan
games and activities |
2
weeks in advance
| Purchase
party supplies (decorations,
favors and activities) Be sure to buy extra in case
additional people show up | | Plan
menu and make grocery shopping list | | Arrange
help to set up, clean, prepare & serve food
& coordinate games | | Check
sightings
times again |
1
week in advance
| Gather
tables and chairs, toys, coolers, serving dishes,
and other supplies you'll be using at the party | | Follow
up with the invited guests who have not yet RSVP'd
to determine final head count | | Order
cake and balloons | | Prepare
any foods that can be frozen for the following week |
2-3
days in advance
| Charge
video camera battery and make sure cameras are working | |
Do grocery shopping (don't forget film) | | Get
cash for paying helpers |
1
day in advance
| Prepare
remaining food, including cake or cupcakes | |
Clean and child proof party area |
Party
day
| Finish
last minute food preparations | | Pick
up cake and balloons (day before if Mylar balloons) | | Set
up and decorate party area | | Set
up games and prizes |
Star
Party Supply Checklist
|
Party Ware | Tablecloths,
plates, napkins, cups, utensils (forks, spoons,
knives) | |
Decorations | Balloons
(helium or regular), banners, signs, streamers,
confetti | |
Favors | Favor
bags, items to go in bag | |
Food | Cake,
cupcakes, ice cream, candy, drinks (juice, soda),
ice, snacks | |
Misc. | Serving
dishes (trays, platters, baskets), serving utensils,
camera, film, video camera, videotape, tables, chairs,
ice chest | |
Activities | Games,
arts and crafts |
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