PREBLE COUNTY — Just as residents were provided tips for preparing for the Monday, April 8, total solar eclipse, Preble County Emergency Management officials have provided information for businesses who might see an influx of visitors whether they’re coming here to view the eclipse, or just passing through.
Along with reminders for everyone to make sure they have special ISO12312-2 eclipse glasses, and when they are needed, businesses are asked to consider purchasing eclipse glasses or viewers for their staff and/or visitors ahead of time.
Traffic can become congested, especially right after the eclipse. Delaying visitors for even an hour or two can help, according to EMA officials. Consider ingress and egress routes for larger populations.
Other things consider:
•Shift change — Consider changing shift changes so they don’t overlap the eclipse.
•Appointments/meetings — Consider delaying or re-scheduling away from April 8 and early April 9.
•Gas, food, water and trash — Supplies may be limited due to high demand. Consider getting shipments in a few days before the eclipse. Also consider any additional supplies/inventory items that may be needed. Schedule these early if possible.
Rumpke Waste officials have already issued special information regarding their services on Monday, April 8, and Tuesday, April 9. “On Monday, April 8, the Miami Valley will experience a total solar eclipse,” Rumpke officials noted. “Due to the rarity, and the limited viewing area of totality, our region is expected to see a large influx of visitors. Historical guidance shows we may have three times the population. Complications with travel and communications (cell and internet service) as well as fuel shortages are expected. Rumpke provides an essential, critical service, and we want to make sure your residents are provided with friendly, reliable service the week of April 8. To ensure uninterrupted collection, we are adjusting our start times for Monday, April 8, and Tuesday, April 9. On both days, our team will start at midnight to service customers prior to the anticipated heavy traffic. It is important that customers place material at the curb the night before their scheduled collection day.”
•Cash — If the internet gets disrupted, credit card machines may be down. Consider other ways to receive payment such as cash.
•9-1-1 — Know when it is appropriate to dial 911 (true emergencies.) If a non-emergency, contact the non-emergency number at: 937-456-6262.
•Cellular service: Cell service could get overwhelmed (especially Monday, April 8). Consider how to operate if cell service goes down.
•Reminder from Public Health: With increased visitors comes increased trash and sanitation needs. Consider how to contain trash, allow for increased bathroom use, and help keep the community clean.
Community spotlight: Eaton
The solar eclipse in Eaton will begin at 1:52 p.m. It will reach totality at 3:08 p.m., and be at maximum totality at 3:10 p.m. Totality will end at 3:11 p.m., when the eclipse will begin its reversal — and end at 4:25 p.m.
Glow in the Park
Eaton Parks & Recreation will host a special eclipse-watching party, Glow in the Park, from 1-5 p.m. at Seven Mile Park, 1601 Park Avenue, on Monday, April 8. This fun afternoon of activities, music, and food will provide an exciting, fun atmosphere for viewing the total eclipse, according to organizers.
The afternoon will feature performances by some of Preble County’s hottest musical acts, headlined by Tyler Michael Walton and The Mayflower Satchel, and including Big Chili and Ryan+Rose.
There’ll be inflatable fun for all ages, including glow axe throwing, an obstacle course, a giant robot slide, a field goal kick, and a giant boom box bounce. There will also be 9-hole LED miniature golf to play.
Everyone who attends can get a special free souvenir photo from Celebrate the Moments Photo Booth, and additional activities may be added as the day nears.
All entertainment and activities are free. Concessions will be available for purchase from Tipsy Hog, Groovy Sweets, Papa John’s and The Stable, Molokini’s Shaved Ice and Knob Creek Coffee.
There will also be additional vendors on site for some “light” shopping as well, according to city officials.
Don’t forget, you will need special glasses for viewing the total solar eclipse. NASA-approved solar eclipse viewing glasses are available for purchase now at the Eaton City Building, 328 N. Maple St. Cost is $3 per pair. These ISO12312-2 Prevent Blindness Ohio certified glasses can also be purchased at the Preble County Chamber of Commerce office, 122 W. Decatur St.
The Glow in the Park event is being sponsored in part by Neaton Auto, Wallace Heating & Air and the Preble County Development Partnership. For more information about the event or setting up as a vendor, contact Service & Parks Coordinator Zac Wilson at 937-456-4949, Ext. 123, or via email to [email protected].
Preble County District Library: Eaton
There will be a movie, lawn games, and snacks at the Preble County District Library Resource Center, 450 S. Barron St., from noon-4 p.m., on Monday, April 8. They will be showing a space-themed movie at the Preble County Room as well as serving snacks. Free eclipse glasses will be provided to each person, while supplies last. The public is invited to come enjoy the fun, and stay to view the eclipse.
Old Schoolhouse Winery
The Olde Schoolhouse Winery, located at 152 Ohio 726, invites the public to come view the eclipse at the winery. They will have drink specials, live music, and food trucks including JAK Wagon Concessions, Godown’s Fixins and Tacos Jalisco. The winery will also release its own Eclipse Wine the week prior to the eclipse. The winery will be open from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Monday, April 8.
Camping at the Preble County Fairgrounds
While there are no organized viewing activities being held at the Preble County Fairgrounds, there are camping spots available for those attending other events in the county. For pricing and to reserve, contact the Preble County Fairgrounds at 937-456-3748 or email [email protected].
