Tuesday Banquet (6/26)
The banquet will be held Tuesday night at the historic Southwest School of Art & Craft. Riverboat transportation (by tour guide) from near the Menger will be arranged starting at 5 PM (tickets provided at registration). It is within walking distance on the River Walk. Drinks and appetizers will be served from 6 to 7 PM, with seated dinner starting at 7 PM. We'll be served by the best caterers in town, the RKGroup's Catering by Rosemary. Read the Menu here, and choose a steak, seafood, or vegetarian option at registration.

John Clarke and Denis Grodent offered to present a slide show of new Jupiter and Saturn aurorae movies obtained with HST. We've invited a few folks from the San Antonio Astronomical Society to show us Venus, Saturn, and Jupiter with their telescopes set up in the courtyard (9 to 10 PM).

Buy your ticket today! Fees are $25 each before the 4 May 2007 registration deadline or $50 afterward. If you prefer the vegetarian option please email CMcCarty@swri.edu and copy KRetherford@swri.edu.

Thursday Party (6/28)
The Blue Star Art Complex is one of the hippest places in town and is a key site of San Antonio's "First Friday" night in King Williams - a historic district just South of downtown. This artists community hosts several contemporary art galleries, the largest of which, Joan Groana Gallery, will be open to us to peruse and enjoy while we sip wine. Dinner will be provided in this complex at the Blue Star Brewing Company, which is a microbrewery. Like most places in San Antonio, feel free to dress casual for this informal buffet dinner. This isn't your ordinary pub food. We'll have smoked salmon and roasted turkey carving stations, grilled vegetables, quesadillas, and other fine food.

What I like most about First Friday events here is that the egalitarian atmosphere makes the high-end contemporary artwork accessible to everyone. At our Thursday night event we'll largely have the run of the complex. For years the River Walk ended at this southern location, but a nature trail extension is now under construction. I'm sure you'll enjoy this space as much as I do.

Bring your name badge. Banquet guests are also invited to this party - guests please keep and bring your banquet ticket from Tuesday night.

Transportation to the party will be informal. The downtown Trolley system is always fun, and convenient. The blue line has frequent (~10 min.) stops right across Alamo Plaza from the Menger and will take you straight down Alamo street to the front of the Blue Star Complex. We'll provide 2 trolley tokens at registration. Trolley hours are 7 AM to 9 PM. For those who stay late at the pub, the cab fare is ~$6 (210-222-2222). Or the 15 to 20 minute walk along Alamo street or the River Walk are both generally safe and easy to follow. Alternately, there is ample parking at the Blue Star.

Site Seeing

Things to do nearby (walk, trolley/bus, or cab): (Map)