Hello Friend,

Many years ago when I was attending the Starfest star party, and tenting it, I stopped
at the Canadian tire store on the way to pick up a light for my tent, just in case
my red flashlites didn't do the job.

I bought a kerosene lamp, which I figured might work as a light during the late evening.

And it did work.

Only problem is that the damn thing leaked all over my tent floor when I put it down on
the ground in the morning.

What a joke!

And  a mess.  Not to mention that the tent could have easily gone up in flames.

No duh.

I had to get off to work at our commercial display the next morning, so I figured I'd
attend to it later in the day.

When I got back,  my entire tent had been locked shut by some pranskter, 
using those nylon locking straps with a sign on it, "Hazard zone".

There must have been a dozen or so of them.

Boy, was I pissed.

Needless to say, that's the last time I ever used a kerosene lamp
while camping.

Now, here is some good news for you.

If you didn't make it to a Star Party this year, you've still got a chance to go.

In fact, there are three more in the fall in  Ontario  that you can check out:

1)  Gravenhurst Muskoka Star Party:    Sept 26th/27th

    This is a family event, so bring the kids. Amateur astronomer Francois Van Heerden
    will give a presentation on the night sky.   

    http://www.gravenhurst.ca/en/Calendar/Events/Details.aspx?Id=640f9820-c8fa-4411-94fe-733636f6e50b

  2) Falling Stars (Belleville/Kingston RASC )  (Sept 26-28th)
      http://rascbelleville.ca/fallnstars/

      Amateur Astronomer Greg Lisk  and his fellow rascals,  have a weekend of stargazing planned.
     

3) Gordons Park  (October 10th to 13th)   

Aurora Borealis Star Party, Manitoulin Island
    http://gordonspark.com/astronomy-and-stargazing/

    Paul Beduhn, the park manager/amateur astronomer has several events
    planned for this weekend.  

 
Clear Skies,

Ray Khan

PS Suggest you leave the kerosene lamps at home! :)