While both towns share the opal component of the event, there has always been an element of envy amongst the citizens of Cunnamulla concerning Eulo's unique claim to fame.
Accordingly, the Civic fathers of Cunnamulla have proposed to run an annual star party in conjunction with the festival but centred on their fair town, which is bound to attract the attention of top gun amateurs world-wide.
Recognising that the festival is timed to take account of the circadian rhythms of Shingle Back Lizards and Bearded Dragons rather than the phases of the moon, the organisers have been persuaded that a full moon could act as a deterrent to unadventurous amateur Astronomers, so are taking steps to provide inducements and unique prizes.
Special campsites will be reserved at the campsite upwind of the pit toilets, while registration at the star party entitles each person to a free “hamburger-with-the-lot” daily at the Cunnamulla Burger Bar and Grill.
Door prizes include unlimited free beer for the duration of the festival for any registrant who discovers a comet, supernova, or grey alien while at Cunnamulla, Tektite-shaped kangaroo coprolites, the pick of the champion lizards from the Eulo races and the honour of having your portrait mounted in the position of your choice on Arno's Wall at Winton.
Inspiration for the star party came from resident amateur Ludwig Litechardt, whose 60mm observatory-mounted Tasco (in a customised corrugated iron water tank) is the biggest telescope west of the Paroo River and has amazed stockmen, drovers, swaggies, Yowies and the odd visiting Yogi. Ludwig's main claim to fame is almost discovering Comet Lee, as, had he been looking at Musca instead of Crux on the night before the discovery, and been using a 10” telescope while looking at Musca instead of Crux the honour would certainly have been his - Probably.
Details of dates and registration will be found on the festival's web site as soon as it is up and running. Local webmaster Spud Murphy is upgrading his defunct 386 computer in July to expedite work on the graphics and other visuals.