June Luncheon at Dark Sky RV Campground

It was a warm day, but cool in the shade! On June 12th we were greeted warmly with the sprawling, Southern Utah canyons all around, and wide open spaces! The Roth family were all there to welcome the Chamber of Commerce and its members for the first time, and we weren’t disappointed!

Our newest Board Member Lacee Brown was on hand to personally meet everyone when they arrived, and help them sign in. Pizza Hut provided a great spread of various kinds of pizzas, with tasty toppings, and sides. Chamber Vice President Ron Thomas was our MC.

Our hosts at the award-winning Dark Sky RV Campground were up first. Britt Roth, (setting the hospitality bar high), let us know that they are open for public events, and always endeavor to create an “RV experience“. She explained that they have 18 full hook ups, hammocks, fire pits, and even spaces for smaller vehicles. They are geared to make guests lives easier, while promoting local businesses. They are also celebrating their 5th year anniversary in 2025 and have been seen on HGTV, BuzzFeed, the Today Show, and other platforms. Way to go, Dark Sky RV Campground!

Our guest speakers for the day were Stellar Vista Observatory. Founder and President Rich Csenge was an attendance, as were the rest of the Observatory board members. Rich spoke about the final stages of engineering and design work for the new physical observatory located near Jackson Flat Reservoir. Rich also talked of phase II, and receiving multiple grants for the project.

Phase I consists of partnering with the Kane County Water Conservancy District to build a public educational astronomical observatory. While SVO will finance its design, construction and provide programming for the Observatory, they did receive a grant from the Utah Governor’s Office of Outdoor Recreation for nearly $200,000. Features of the new Observatory will include a large outdoor plaza for open air stargazing and solar activities, as well as an equipment storage room, restrooms, walkways, parking, a shade structure adjacent to the Sherry Belle Trail, and an information scale model of our local solar system.

Other members of the Stellar Vista Observatory Board spoke about the Kane County Friends of the Night Sky Program, the effects of light pollution, and what they have done so far in 2024 “by the numbers“. They hosted 51 free star parties and youth events, over 1500 community members and visitors were engaged, 137 private night sky experiences we had, over 1700 volunteer hours were donated, $228,200 fund grants and in-kind donations were received, and $82,800 donations and private event revenue were gained. The aforementioned Kane County Friends of the Night Sky is a free voluntary community program, which assists Kane County business owners in showcasing their commitment to preserving the beauty of our starry night skies. To learn more visit StellarVistaObservatory.org.

After a few more announcements including Chamber President Pat Guerrero talking about trainings with Future Ready Utah, Ron brought the meeting to a close. Businesses in attendance this month were: Road Eazy, Best Friends Animal Society, Gus Thomas Photo, Best Friends Roadhouse & Mercantile, Industrial Dream Labs, Adobe Realty, Best Friends Fitness Center, My Zion Vacation, Stellar Vista Observatory, Joy in Wood, Rascal Rodeo, Buckskin Tavern, Sabisara Pets, Healing Strong, Kane County Commissioners, Hangin’ On By a Thread, and Burro Flats High Desert Lodge.