Arrived at Starfest Friday during a break in the unrelenting rain. To set up a tent and camp for the first time, in this, was to say at the very least, disheartening. The reports showed no sign of reprieve. The rain continued its torrential pounding, but as time passed a change of spirit began to evolve. So it came to be ….Adversity had brought Opportunity.

Listening, you could hear talking and outbursts of laughter drift over the canvas community. There were no longer the “haves” and the “have nots” or the “wanton”. Delivered from “aperture envy” we were “just astronomers” one and all. So it became a weekend of the storytellers: lectures, experiences, advice, hopes, and laughter. Astronomers wedged elbow to elbow huddled under leaking canopies, sharing. Soaked astronomers passed and exchanged a nod, a smile, a chuckle and shook their heads. Acknowledging, saying it all, without saying a word. Strangers becoming friends.

And there were “stars” alright. They shone with a magnitude blinding even the unaided observer. They were the members of the NYAA. Each and everyone outstanding, responding to this facilitators nightmare with absolute grace under fire. How disheartened they too must have been after so much time and preparation. But they never gave up and they carried on…..and oddly so did we.

Make no mistake, it truly was exactly that, wet and cold and bleak and unyielding……but the spirit of fellowship did not falter. It held steadfast.
In the upcoming year I will not hesitate to pre-register for Starfest. Why? The NYAA will need our support next year, more so, than ever before. After all…..Isn’t that what fellowship is really all about ?

Jackie Fulton