Star party planned at Fort Griffin

Visitors to Fort Griffin State Historical Site this Saturday, Sept. 8, can chose to extend their stay until late in the evening to enjoy gazing at stars on one of the darkest nights of the year.

This Saturday the sun will set at 7:54 p.m. and the new moon won’t rise until a scant few minutes before dawn. If the clouds stay at bay, viewing should be ideal for a Stars & Skies of Texas star gazing party.

Stars & Skies

“Fort Griffin State Historic Site has gained quite the reputation for having some of the darkest night skies in all of Texas,” said program specialist Eric Abercrombie. “Join us on Sept. 8 at 8:00 p.m., as local astronomers share their knowledge of the night skies, telescopes, and other astronomy equipment. Visitors will have the opportunity to see planets, nebulas, distant galaxies, our own galaxy, and much more!” 

The program will be held in the baseball field of the campground. Site staff will collect regular admission near the entrance to the campground, for those arriving after hours.

Guests may want to bring a flashlight that has the lens covered with red cellophane, so they can use it to watch out for any hazards when they are walking, without interfering with everyone’s night vision.

Horns and Tales

An informative cattle program is offered every Saturday from 2:00 to 2:30 p.m. at the cattle pens.

“All ages are welcome to come and see part of the Official State of Texas Longhorn Herd up close and hear history and tales from the cattle drives and early ranching,” said herd manager Will Cradduck. “Learn about Texas Longhorn cattle and experience a living part of Texas history.”

Fort Griffin is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Admission fees are $4 for adults, free for those five and under, and $3 for college students, those between six and 18 years of age, and anyone over 65. For additional information call 325-762-3592.