[State Parks] – Come out for our November Star Party on Saturday, Nov. 22. The China Lake Astronomical Society will be at the visitor center parking lot beginning at dusk, ready to answer your questions about the unique celestial objects such as nebula, galaxies, clusters, Venus and other planets visible in the dark sky.

Park entry fee is $6 per vehicle or $5 with seniors 62 and up on board, or $3 with DPR Disabled Discount Pass (please bring exact amounts).

Arrival is requested before dark, and please turn off main headlights when entering the parking lot.

Find information and directions to Red Rock Canyon State Park [here].

AVIM | Photo: Leon Worden

ALSO: Chili, Crafters, and Cowboy Songs at Antelope Valley Indian Museum

Visit the Antelope Valley Indian Museum on Saturday, December 6th from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. for an old-time country Christmas celebration! The museum, which was built as a homestead in the 1930’s, will feature a chili cook-off, country craft boutique, homestead-era holiday décor, and cowboy songs and poetry from out on the range performed around a blazing bonfire! Explore the unique hand-built museum and soft, warm lighting of the whimsical historic grounds, with the wintery night sky sparkling over the desert.

Sit around a blazing bonfire under the stars as cowboy singer Michael Tcherkassky, “The Saddle Serenader”, croons romantic poetry about life on the range that was composed by cattlemen during their journeys across the old west, and was shared at the end of their long workdays around the campfire. Michael has performed traditional cowboy songs and poetry for many years at the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival and other events around the country.

Find one-of-a-kind handmade gifts at the country craft boutique. The crafters carry on the artistic spirit of Howard Arden Edwards, who built the Indian Museum to house his collection of American Indian artifacts. The Craftsman-style building is decorated with his colorful representations of Indian culture and creative hand-made furniture. This is a great opportunity to support local artists and find unique gifts!  Please note; cash or check only for boutique purchases.

The event also features a chili cook-off, as Howard’s wife Rose was known for her tasty chili and cornbread feasts at their 1930’s holiday celebrations. Park visitors can enjoy the contest submissions with complementary cornbread provided by The Lemon Leaf Café.  This year, Rose’s original chili will also be featured at the holiday festivities for the first time in 65 years!  Our 2014 judge will be our new ranger Colin Daxon, who recently joined the department.

Historic grounds tours will be offered repeatedly throughout the evening.  Event admission is $10 for adults, $5 for ages 6-12, and ages 5 and under are free. This event is a fundraiser for the non-profit Friends of the Antelope Valley Indian Museum, which provides funding to help keep the museum open.

Participants are currently being sought for the chili cook-off and craft booths; contact Jean Rhyne at (661) 946-6900 or Jean.Rhyne@parks.ca.gov for information and an application.

The museum is located at 15701 East Avenue M, near Lake Los Angeles, east of Lancaster, California. Information about the Antelope Valley Indian Museum can be found at www.AVIM.parks.ca.gov and www.Facebook.com/AVIndianMuseum or call (661) 946-3055 (711, TTY relay service). Please come out for this special holiday event, rain or shine, and support the museum.