Post by bsimon615 on Apr 6, 2020 14:09:54 GMT -6
Is a Spring Scrimmage in May a realistic possibility? That is a very hard if not impossible question to answer. We have already moved the start date back from April 22nd to May 20th. It could possibly be moved once again, this time to June 17th.
Whether we hold a Spring Scrimmage or not depends upon several variables that we have little control over. All have to keep in mind that if we are able to pull off a Spring Scrimmage there are some things that we have taken for granted over many years of holding the Deep South Star Gaze and the Spring Scrimmage as well as attending other star parties that will have to change for our own personal protection, these changes include -
1) Setting up at greater distances from each other.
2) Perhaps not helping each other as much in setting up canopies, moving equipment, setting up mounts/tripods, etc.
3) Going for rides together in one car to pick up ice or other supplies.
4) Not encroaching on each other's space.
5) Not sharing views thru telescope eyepieces as no one really knows if anyone else has been exposed to Covid-19.
.....and the list can maybe go on to include a few more things.
So this raises the question - "With all of these restrictions, is a Spring Scrimmage worth it?" I think it can be as we will be able to visit, maybe at a distance, but still a visit. We will be able to share knowledge. Some may want to share views, Covid-19, be damned. Many have been and will have been cooped up for some time and just need to get out.
Surprising as it may seem, the perception and the reality of things getting better coupled with other events being cancelled, may even mean that we could potentially have more interest in a Spring Scrimmage than we normally would. Based upon what I read, it is looking more and more like the Texas Star Party may cancel. That event is scheduled during the same time frame as our new May dates. The TSP is in the opinion of many, too large, to make it safe for it to be held. Many of it's attendees are older and many drive long distances to get there. I have already received inquires from several that normally attend TSP that tell me if TSP cancels, they will come to the Spring Scrimmage if we can hold it.
Anticipating this is interesting in that I would normally welcome additional attendees but this is certainly not a normal year. I believe White Horse, if we can hold the Spring Scrimmage will be relatively safe. I also believe that in doing our social distancing thing, I have to spread out those that want bunk space with fewer people per bunk house. In and of itself, this will put a limit on how many we can handle (not including those in tents, campers or rv's. As I said in another post this may require a good faith deposit to be applied toward your bunk or space rental. This good faith payment will serve as a place marker, perhaps necessary as we approach capacity.
We are still a little more than 6 weeks away from a May 20th start. Events unfolding over the next 3 or 4 weeks will have a major bearing on what we are able to do.
Barry Simon
Whether we hold a Spring Scrimmage or not depends upon several variables that we have little control over. All have to keep in mind that if we are able to pull off a Spring Scrimmage there are some things that we have taken for granted over many years of holding the Deep South Star Gaze and the Spring Scrimmage as well as attending other star parties that will have to change for our own personal protection, these changes include -
1) Setting up at greater distances from each other.
2) Perhaps not helping each other as much in setting up canopies, moving equipment, setting up mounts/tripods, etc.
3) Going for rides together in one car to pick up ice or other supplies.
4) Not encroaching on each other's space.
5) Not sharing views thru telescope eyepieces as no one really knows if anyone else has been exposed to Covid-19.
.....and the list can maybe go on to include a few more things.
So this raises the question - "With all of these restrictions, is a Spring Scrimmage worth it?" I think it can be as we will be able to visit, maybe at a distance, but still a visit. We will be able to share knowledge. Some may want to share views, Covid-19, be damned. Many have been and will have been cooped up for some time and just need to get out.
Surprising as it may seem, the perception and the reality of things getting better coupled with other events being cancelled, may even mean that we could potentially have more interest in a Spring Scrimmage than we normally would. Based upon what I read, it is looking more and more like the Texas Star Party may cancel. That event is scheduled during the same time frame as our new May dates. The TSP is in the opinion of many, too large, to make it safe for it to be held. Many of it's attendees are older and many drive long distances to get there. I have already received inquires from several that normally attend TSP that tell me if TSP cancels, they will come to the Spring Scrimmage if we can hold it.
Anticipating this is interesting in that I would normally welcome additional attendees but this is certainly not a normal year. I believe White Horse, if we can hold the Spring Scrimmage will be relatively safe. I also believe that in doing our social distancing thing, I have to spread out those that want bunk space with fewer people per bunk house. In and of itself, this will put a limit on how many we can handle (not including those in tents, campers or rv's. As I said in another post this may require a good faith deposit to be applied toward your bunk or space rental. This good faith payment will serve as a place marker, perhaps necessary as we approach capacity.
We are still a little more than 6 weeks away from a May 20th start. Events unfolding over the next 3 or 4 weeks will have a major bearing on what we are able to do.
Barry Simon