Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park will open its lottery on Friday for viewing blue ghost and synchronous fireflies at a series of events later this month and in June

Flag Pond, TN – According to the state officials, The lottery will be open until midnight May 12.

Officials have announced that winning a spot in the program ensures the applicant one vehicle entry for a selected night of viewing, and up to six people are allowed per vehicle.

Only 10 applicants per night will be selected.

The synchronous fireflies are the only species that can synchronize flash patterns when looking for potential mates.

The blue ghost firefly emits a steady blue light for up to a minute or more, giving a floating appearance.

Park Ranger Tim Pharis released the following statement:

“This is a spectacular event, and we are excited to welcome park visitors for these special evenings. This is a small state park with limited access, so we have to limit the number of people here for the viewing. Everyone will have an equal chance at landing a spot.”

Lottery entries are available online here. 

Lottery winners will be notified by May 15 if they are successful entries.

Those not notified are those who were not selected.