PREBLE COUNTY — Activities in preparation for the Monday, April 8, total solar eclipse kicked off this weekend, with Lewisburg hosting its various “Diamond Days” events all weekend long and on Monday.
The City of Eaton’s Glow in the Park eclipse watch party event is slated for Monday beginning at 1 p.m., with lots of activities and several hours of live music. Organizations like the Preble County District Library and Preble County Senior Center will also hold watch parties for their patrons.
Several businesses in New Paris and elsewhere are hosting viewing events and advertising eclipse-themed specials.
And even Eldorado is getting in on the fun, hosting its own eclipse watch party after a weekend of special offerings by local organizations and businesses. On Saturday, April 6, and Sunday, April 7, the Eldorado Fire Department will host and all-you-can-eat pancake and sausage breakfast from 7-10 a.m. Cost is $5 for ages 7 and under and $10 for ages 8 and up. SUDS will have broasted chicken dinners available from 11 a.m. until sold out. On Monday, a local eclipse watch party will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Eldorado Ballpark, with music provided by Chuck & Gloria Mobile DJ. Everyone is invited to bring a lawn chair and join in. AmVets Post 726 will serve hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and drinks at the ballpark from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Solar eclipse glasses are available for purchase at the Eldorado Village Office or by calling Tianna White at 937-273-2092. Solar eclipse t-shirts are available for purchase at SUDS.
For other specific eclipse activity information, visit the Preble County Convention & Visitors Bureau website, www.visitpreblecounty.org.
The eclipse is estimated to draw millions of visitors to the area of the United States in the path of totality, which includes tens of thousands potentially making their way to Preble County, according to officials, who for months in planning meetings have prepared for an influx of people potentially doubling the county’s population.
All five county schools have already announced they will be closed on April 8, because of the eclipse and surrounding traffic concerns around dismissal time.
The Preble County Emergency Management Agency and Preble County Sheriff’s Office are encouraging those traveling to see the eclipse to make a preparedness kit for their vehicle and include items like snacks, drinks, cash, cell phone chargers, and blankets. Motorists should top off their fuel tank or fully charge their electric vehicle before heading out.
It’s also a good idea to have a family communication plan to ensure you know how to reconnect in case you get separated from friends or family at a large gathering. Make sure children have contact information for parents or guardians with them.
Officials also are reminding everyone to be aware of weather conditions and where you might seek shelter in the event of severe weather.
Other reminders from the EMA:
•You must wear/use special filters or eclipse glasses. Eclipse glasses must be this kind: ISO 12312-2. Use the glasses until the sun is totally blocked and as soon as the sun becomes unblocked again. Special apps/filters are needed to view safely or take pictures with phones, cameras, telescopes, etc.
•Traffic can become congested, especially right after the eclipse. Consider limiting travel. If necessary, though, consider avoiding major interstates or highways.
Things to consider
•Appointments/errands — consider delaying or re-scheduling anything currently scheduled for April 8
•Gas, prescriptions, food, & water — supplies may be limited due to high demand. Things may not be available. Get it early if possible.
•Cash — If the internet gets disrupted, credit card machines may be down. Consider getting cash ahead of time.
•9-1-1 — Know when is appropriate to dial 9-1-1 (true emergencies.) If a non-emergency, contact the non-emergency number at: 937-456-6262.
•Cellular service — Cell service could get overwhelmed, especially on Monday. Consider how to operate if cell service goes down.
Trash collection on Monday
Rumpke Waste & Recycling is making some adjustments to its collection schedule for Monday, April 8, to get crews off roadways before the anticipated heavy traffic from eclipse watchers.
“We will start servicing areas in the path of totality early on Monday, April 8, so it is very important that residents have trash and recycling curbside on Sunday evening,” said Noel Moomey, operations manager for Rumpke.
Rumpke hopes to have drivers off the roadways before the once in a lifetime celestial event.
“We are heeding the advice of the Ohio Emergency Management Association and planning for travel complications. We provide an essential, critical service, and we want to make sure we are able to service all of our Monday customers,” said Moomey.
Moomey added that placing material at the curb the night before scheduled collection is a good practice, as collection times can vary.
Reach Eddie Mowen Jr. at 937-683-4061 and follow on X @emowenjr.
