We are on the precipice of a major twice in a century astronomical event. The planet of Venus will be able to be seen crossing the face of the sun starting at 5:04 pm until sunset on June 5th. The next time this will happen is in 2117. If you missed the Transit of Venus in 2004, then this truly is a once in a lifetime event. The Friends of Big Foot Beach State Park, Yerkes Observatory, and the Williams Bay Rec Department will host two simultaneous viewing events at Big Foot Beach State Park and Yerkes Observatory.

Staring directly into the sun to view the Transit of Venus is definitely not safe. Special solar viewing glasses are available now at the park contact station and Yerkes Observatory for $2. Telescopes equipped with special sun filters, and instruments to present a projected view that can be seen by all will also be at the event. The advantage of viewing the Transit of Venus at Big Foot Beach State Park or Yerkes Observatory is being able to witness an unobstructed view with proper equipment in a beautiful setting with like-minded individuals. Astronomy enthusiasts will be on hand to answer questions, and an internet link to other live viewing feeds around the world should be on site. We hope you can join us!

If you plan on attending a viewing event, and especially if you have a telescope to use at an event, please register on our registration page http://www.fbfbsp.org/transit/ so that we can know what to expect. More information about the Transit of Venus can be found at http://astro.uchicago.edu/yerkes/sun.

Volunteers can come and celebrate Earth Day by helping us plant 200 trees, pick up trash, and get the park ready for our busy summer season. People interested in lending us a hand should meet in the park at the campground entrance. Please dress in work clothes that are weather appropriate, and bring work gloves and shovels if you have them.

Join the Friends of Big Foot Beach State Park for our popular candlelight hike. Walk or snowshoe along a portion of the park trails. Warm-up by the campfire, enjoy hot chocolate and smores (available for a small donation).

Our Annual TURKEY TROT 5k & 10k fun run is held in the morning on the Saturday before Thanksgiving at Big Foot Beach State Park. The off-road, dirt and grass trail course is designed to challenge the beginner to expert runner. The expansive tree lined course is perfect for social runners and provides great opportunities for ultra-competitive runners to pass.