On Sunday December 8, Chamberlin Observatory was a beehive of activity as the University Park Community held their annual Sing & Sleigh event in and around the building on a gorgeous and unseasonably sunny and warm day. Approximately 300 children came to see Santa on the main floor, while volunteers served cookies and hot chocolate outside and Christmas music rang out from two speakers. Two pairs of Clydesdales each pulled wagons around Observatory Park loaded with adults and children who attended, delighting young and old alike.
DAS Volunteers were on hand to help. Brad Gilman gave tours to show off the 1894 20” Clark-Saegmuller refracting telescope in the observatory dome, while Ken Sturrock directed traffic at the north entrance and Dena McClung did the same at the south door. Dr. Jennifer Hoffman dropped in to assist as well. The holiday cheer was strong throughout the crowd, and many expressed their gratitude to the DAS folks for opening Chamberlin Observatory for this special event. Many of the guests plan to return for Open House events in the coming months.
