Dazzling starry skies await night visitors to Manitoulin

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Visitors to Manitoulin Island this summer are promised the best meteor shower of 2004. Organizers of the 7th annual Great Manitou Star Party anticipate a dazzling spectacle of shooting stars over the North Channel the nights of Aug. 12 and 13.

Stargazers are invited to join in the "fun, friendship and fabulous observing" at Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation, just 10 minutes west of Little Current. Campers will converge on the Endaa-aang Eco-park beginning Aug. 11 and the star party will wind up on Aug. 15.

A small powwow will be held at the official opening, according to Aundeck Omni Kaning's tourism co-ordinator, Gladys King.

The five-day festival also will feature Native cuisine, arts and crafts and a variety of entertainment.

"Our Sucker Creek park area is the ideal spot for the star party," she said. "We will have total darkness by the lake for viewing the meteor showers. It's not like in the big cities where you can hardly see the sky."

A strong educational component will be incorporated into the celebration. Participants will have an opportunity to learn more about the wonders of the heavens during a public astronomy day at the First Nation's community centre. People who do not own telescopes will be able to experience state-of-the-art viewing equipment, King added.

"We are trying to get all of the community involved," she said. "It is the first time we have hosted the event, so it is very exciting for us."

During the day, Aundeck Omni Kaning will provide boat tours of the attractions on the North Channel of Lake Huron. And nearby Sweetgrass Ranch will offer horseback riding.

Chief Patrick Madahbee, vice-president of the Manitoulin Dark Sky Association, believes the star party is compatible with the community's existing conservation policies. The band currently offers tour packages including bird watching, nature hikes, wild berry picking as well as winter activities. Visitors stay in cabins on Bedford and East Rous islands or sleep in a lakeside tipi.

"This event blends in well with our eco-tourism businesses," Madahbee said. "Our focus is on providing a place where people can come to enjoy nature. We have completed major improvements to our beach and powwow grounds. It is quite picturesque; it's an excellent venue for star-gazing.

"We were one of the first communities on Manitoulin to support the dark sky sanctuary concept," the chief added. Non-polluting, energy efficient lighting has been installed in a new subdivision on the reserve.

Previous star parties have been held at Assiginack and Tehkummah. Every year a new generation of spectators travels to Manitoulin to marvel at the brilliant nocturnal displays.

Newcomers to astronomy are reminded to eliminate white light at the viewing site. Organizers will provide red filtering material to cover flashlights and vehicle interior lights. Above all, participants are encouraged to follow the "silence is golden" rule.

For more information contact Endaa-aang Tourism at 705-368-0548 or call MIDSA at 1-800-540-0179. Further details are also available online at www.manitoulindarksky.com.