On a typical Houston evening, you're more likely to glimpse a 737's landing lights than a star. With the limitless frontier of space obscured by smog, lying back and contemplating the Milky Way seems an impossible luxury. This weekend, the (relatively) clear cosmic space of Moody Gardens in Galveston will come to the rescue of the star-starved. Nestled in a landscape that melds the tropical with the extraterrestrial, the Summer Star Party will give you the opportunity to indulge your inner astronomer and connect the dots of the Big Dipper. You'll learn what you never knew you didn't know about the sun, the moon, the solar system and other galaxies from staff presentations and, of course, your own observations. Several "large and powerful" telescopes will be on hand. "There's one telescope bigger than some of the children that come," says Lauren Wheeler of Moody Gardens. Boy Scout participants will have the opportunity to earn astronomy merit badges, and everybody else will get to reflect upon their insignificance in the big, bad universe. The party runs from dusk until 11 p.m. Saturday, June 21. Moody Gardens, One Hope Boulevard, Galveston. For information, call 800-582-4673, extension 4233, or visit www.moodygardens.com. Admission to the infinite is free of charge. -- Eric Norvell
SAT 6/21
Fun Run for Everyone
Whether you walk, jog, run or roll, you'll be welcome at the Houston Pride 5K
Fun Run/ Walk. It's not surprising that the Houston Gay & Lesbian Pride 2003
event strives for inclusiveness. Participants are encouraged to show up early
to stretch and meet their fellow racers, then hang around afterward at Sam Houston
Park. Mac Crone, the race director, says there will be "one of the best postrace
parties around." Awards will be given to top finishers in several classes, but
everyone will get a T-shirt and a good feeling. 7:30 a.m. Saturday, June 21.
Sam Houston Park, 1000 Bagby. To volunteer or to participate in the race, call
713-661-8919 or visit www.geocities.com/
houstonpride5K/index.html. $20 entry fee benefits AssistHers, an organization
that aids chronically ill or disabled lesbians. -- Eric Norvell
