On Saturday, March 23, 2013, the Sheboygan Astronomical Society is hosting its sixth annual Swap ’N’ Sell. This year’s event will take place at the Aviation Heritage Center of the Sheboygan Airport in Wisconsin from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For those of you who own a GPS or like to use Google Maps or MapQuest, the address is N6191 Resource Drive, Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin 53085.
Maybe you have some astronomy stuff like telescopes, eyepieces, accessories, cameras, or books you no longer use. If so, this event offers a great opportunity for you to sell or swap your items with other amateur astronomers. Or come on by to pick up something you’ve been searching for, and then stay awhile to chat with like-minded individuals. The terms are cash, check, or swap.
In addition to the Swap ’N’ Sell, you’ll also have the opportunity to sit in on a trio of talks. At 10 a.m., Milwaukee-area amateur astronomer Jeff Setzer will present “Thoughts on Outreach.” And at 1 p.m. Randy Griffin will give the illustrated talk, “Where in the Universe?”
Oh, and the third talk? It’s at 11 a.m., and it’s by me. If you’re hoping for an event this year that will increase your astronomy club’s membership, you might want to sit in and learn about the object that will grace our skies later this year. I’m calling my illustrated talk, “ISON: The Great Comet of 2013.”
Wisconsin Astronomy will be providing $1,000 in door prizes, including a custom wood eyepiece case from New Moon Telescopes, a framed print by noted astrophotographer Philip Cruden, and logo apparel from Meade Instruments and Oceanside Photo and Telescope. And, because this is Wisconsin, there will be a brat fry and (nonalcoholic) drinks for sale during the event.