On August 8th, Ryall Park in Carman will transform into a cosmic celebration as the community gathers for Table for 300: A Charlie Redstar Dinner, a long-table dining experience commemorating one of Manitoba’s most intriguing mysteries—Charlie Redstar, the UFO that captivated the town in 1975.
This unique event, hosted by Boyne River Keepers and Carman Dufferin Communities in Bloom, aims to bring together locals and visitors alike in a celebration of local history, natural beauty, and community spirit.
A UFO called Charlie?
Back in the summer of 1975, Carman became ground zero for a series of repeated UFO sightings—described by many as a red orb or an "inverted bowl" of light—that darted through the sky, sometimes even appearing to playfully interact with residents. People were so familiar with the recurring phenomenon that they gave it a name: Charlie Redstar.
“It wasn’t just one sighting,” said Tracy Enns of Boyne River Keepers. “It happened over an 11-month period. My parents even took me in the back of the Datsun to the airport to try and see it. Unfortunately, we didn’t catch a glimpse—but a lot of people did.”
While UFO sightings often spark skepticism, the consistency and wide-scale witness accounts surrounding Charlie Redstar make this case particularly unique.
“People could get in their vehicles and chase it,” said Kenton Dyck, local astronomy enthusiast and head of Winkler’s Astro Club. “Some even said it would go behind buildings in downtown Carman. You don’t see that kind of mobility in weather balloons.”
A long table across the bridge
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Charlie Redstar, organizers are planning a long-table dinner experience for up to 300 people.
“We’ll be setting up one incredible long table right through Ryall Park, across the Boyne River bridge,” said Judy MacGregor of Communities in Bloom. “It’s going to be a truly magical evening, right in the heart of Carman.”
While the event promises plenty of nostalgia and stargazing, it’s also serving a bigger purpose. Funds raised will go toward the revitalization of Ryall Park, a cherished greenspace in the heart of the community. The park recently saw the installation of a brand-new accessible kayak and canoe launch.
“We launched the launch!” Enns laughed. “I went by the other night, and there was a kid fishing, people paddling. It’s become a gathering space. It’s amazing to see people enjoying our most natural resource right in town.”
A Manitoba mystery worth celebrating
Charlie Redstar may still be unexplained, but that’s part of the charm.
“I love that instead of reacting in fear, people just named it Charlie,” Dyck said. “That tells you everything about this community. Friendly Manitoba, right? It turned something strange into something familiar and kind.”
The story of Charlie Redstar was popularized by Bob Diemert and Grant Cameron, and those curious can find a deep dive into the sightings on YouTube in a documentary titled Charlie Red Star: UFOs and a Spacecraft on the Moon.
“We really encourage people to watch it before the event,” said MacGregor. “It adds to the experience—and the mystery.”
Get your tickets now!
Tickets are on sale now for what promises to be one of the most memorable nights of the summer!
To reserve your seat at the long table:
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Call 204-745-6134
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Or message Boyne River Keepers or Carman Dufferin Communities in Bloom on Facebook
“This is about connecting people and having fun,” said Enns. “Even if you don’t believe in UFOs, you’ll believe in the power of community by the end of the night.”
Table for 300: A Charlie Redstar dinner
- Ryall Park, Carman
- Thursday, August 8, 2025
- Call 204-745-6134 or message the organizers on Facebook to get your tickets!