ECSP History
A long-running observing tradition with a new Virginia home.
The East Coast Star Party was long hosted by BBAA member Kent Blackwell at Hampton Lodge Campground in Coinjock, North Carolina. After the campground was sold, BBAA members worked to revive the gathering at Chippokes State Park in Surry, Virginia.
The setting changed, but the familiar shape of ECSP remained: Thursday arrival, long nights of observing, a Friday public astronomy program, shared meals, raffle time, Saturday fellowship and departure Sunday morning.
The Friday spaghetti dinner continues a tradition long associated with Roy and Dee Diffrient, while the Saturday cookout and attendee potluck have become part of the Chippokes-era event.
Photos from Past ECSPs
The legacy site contains photographs reaching back to at least 2003, including the Coinjock years and the return of ECSP at Chippokes. Rather than discard that history, the 0.6 migration preserves the original media files and treats the historical gallery as archive material for a future curated gallery pass.
