The total solar eclipse is almost here! Here’s what’s going on locally on — and in the leadup to — the big day, Monday April 8:
Solar Eclipse Festival @ ECHO: Friday through Sunday, April 5-7. Take part in family-friendly, hands-on activities to learn more about this once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event. Personal eclipse glasses available with admission.
Eclipse Pre-Party in Bristol: Head to the library to pick up free solar eclipse glasses (first come, first serve) and enjoy some solar eclipse activities.
Last Chance Eclipse Program @ Bixby: Saturday, April 6, 11 a.m. A variety of activities and also information on how to safely view the eclipse. Free eclipse sunglasses are available to library card holders (limit three per family).
Native American Eclipse Traditions: Sunday, April 7, at the Brandon Inn. Abnaki Peggy White Buffalo Moon Rozell will be dressed in full regalia to tell folks about traditions of local Native American tribes celebrating and honoring celestial occurrences.
THE DAY OF
On Monday, April 8, at 2:14 p.m., a partial solar eclipse will begin, and at 3:26 p.m., a total eclipse will darken Vermont’s daytime sky. The phenomenon will continue as a partial eclipse until 4:37 p.m.
Middlebury Great Solar Eclipse Party: 12:30-4 p.m. at the Middlebury Rec Park near Mary Hogan School. Food trucks, games, music, bake sale. Glasses available.
Eclipse Fun in Brandon: 2-4 p.m. at Estabrook Park. Kids games, Nerf Battle, dinosaur race, piñata.
Monkton Eclipse Party: 1-4:30 p.m. at the Monkton Town Hall. Food vendors, including Queen Bee and ReMarcAble Bakery.
Eclipse Party in Lincoln: 3-4 p.m. at Lincoln Library. Eclipse-themed games, activities and snacks. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy the view.
Starksboro Solar Eclipse Party: 2:15-4:30 p.m. in Starksboro Village Center. Bring along your best eclipse pie, cookies, cupcakes, or cake to share with neighbors. Group photo at 2:15 p.m. Potluck supper to follow at the First Baptist Church of Starksboro.
Eclipse Activities in Bridport: 2-4 p.m. on the Bridport Town Green. Platt Memorial Library staffers will be on the green with eclipse activities and some cool tools for viewing, including extra glasses, binoculars with solar filters, and a sunspotter projection telescope!
MORE TIPS
The state of Vermont has established an eclipse website that gives tips on viewing safety. Text VTECLIPSE to 888777 to sign up for text alerts regarding weather, traffic and other notable information leading up to the eclipse. Check out the list state parks open for eclipse viewing.
The Green Mountain Club cautions people who are planning on viewing the eclipse from a wilderness location that out-of-state visitors in particular might not be ready for dangerous winter at elevation and state emergency resources will be taxed. Hiking is discouraged during mud season.
The Starksboro Volunteer Fire Department is selling T-shirts, as a fundraiser, to commemorate the solar eclipse. Adult/child sizes: $15 each. For details email [email protected] or drop off your check and order at the Starksboro Town Clerk’s office.