The HVAG Hale-Bopp starparty at Grant Park was a huge success, far exceeding our expectations. We set an attendance record for HVAG public starparties with approximately 280 people coming up to look at HB. The Park staff was very helpful and kept the Park gates open until all the available parking had been filled.

Walking down Telescope Row, I was able to count 22 scopes and 6 pairs of large binocs - this included Paul Mancuso's 6" refractor and James Van Dyke's 17.5" dob. At one point, there were over 50 people in line to view HB with James' scope.

As HB got lower, most scopes were turned toward Mars. The crowds started thinning out at this point but many people stayed on for planetary viewing. Seeing was much better than 3/8 with the dark areas and polar cap very distinct with red and orange filters.

The large number of people made it a very exciting event for everyone. The level of interest among those who came was also very encouraging. Many brought their own small scopes and indicated that they would be coming back for our starparty next weekend.