Where will you spend the afternoon of Monday, April 8?
Preble County residents can stay close to home and plot their eclipse watching day. Communities across Preble County are planning special events and activities to give families something to do while the kids are out of school.
Yes. You read that right. If you weren’t already aware, Preble County schools have already announced they’ll be closed on Monday, April 8.
Visitors from outside the path of totality will be making their way to find a viewing area where they can catch the total solar eclipse – and all will be making their plan for the day. Many will find places to park, or camp, and set up there for hours the day-of. Some will arrive the weekend before. Many will remain where they are to not have to fight the inevitable heavy traffic and backups seen during the Great American Eclipse of 2017.
According to Accuweather, “immediately following the Great American Eclipse in 2017, some travelers quipped on social media that they were stuck in the ‘Great American Traffic Jam’ as millions of people hit the highway, leading to nationwide congestion.” The problem is not the traffic before the eclipse day – the problem is everyone leaving on the same day.
Officials are expecting the Monday, April 8 total solar eclipse to top the one from 2017. Eclipse viewers visiting from outside the county are going to need food, drinks, proper clothing, bathroom access, and potentially protection from Ohio April weather. Will you and your hometown be ready when near nighttime conditions take over in the middle of the day? Is there an event nearby where you and your family can stay off the road and have fun until some of the traffic clears?
No worries! The City of Eaton, and the villages of Lewisburg, Camden and New Paris are planning events for locals and visitors to safely have fun while waiting and watching the total solar eclipse. Watch for details as they become available in the next few weeks so you can make your family’s plans.
Get ‘Mooned’ in Preble County!
No, not that kind of “mooning!” When the moon makes its way in front of the sun, it’ll be “mooning” us all! The Preble County Convention & Visitors Bureau, tasked to help get the word out to not only visitors but also residents, has decided to make the day a memorable one with an unforgettable theme: “Get ‘Mooned’ in Preble County!” In the coming days we’ll be releasing links for online stores where you’ll be able to purchase special “I got ‘mooned’ in Preble County” total solar eclipse 2024 souvenir apparel and more.
