By Kate Bartlett
A full eclipse is a once in a lifetime event, and Chautauqua County is directly in the path of totality. Celebrate this unique occasion on Monday, April 8th at exactly 3:18pm at one of the many places that make Chautauqua a year-round destination.
Audubon Community Nature Center is holding events throughout the weekend of the Total Solar Eclipse, including Audubon Lights, a breathtaking half-mile trail of lights through the woods and around the ponds on April 5, 6 and 7. Audubon will also hold an eclipse viewing event on April 8 from 8am-4pm with free nature center admission ($20/car parking). The large open fields make this location a remarkable place to experience the eclipse. There will be horse-drawn wagon rides from 10-2pm, live music with Miranda Wilcox 11-1pm, and food trucks in addition to the six miles of hiking trails, live birds of prey and other animals to visit, as well as a Nature Center full of exhibits to explore.
Chautauqua Institution is hosting a Solar Eclipse Spectacular is already SOLD OUT. They are inviting guests to step into a world where the ordinary turns extraordinary at the Solar Eclipse Spectacular on April 8, 2024, hosted at the picturesque Chautauqua Golf Club.
Fenton History Center in Jamestown is hosting a Solar Eclipse Watch Party on Monday from 1-5pm with music, food truck, bake sale, and free parking. Museum admission is $10, Watch Party only is $3.
Grape Discovery Center in Westfield will be open Monday, April 8 from 2-5pm with parking for up to 100 cars. The Grape Discovery Center is participating in Lake Erie Wine Country’s Light’s Out event with eclipse themed food items available. Several wineries along the Lake Erie Wine Country will be participating in this weekend long event from Friday through Sunday with NASA authorized eclipse viewing glasses available.
The Heron Farm & Event Center is hosting a 2-day eclipse event with camping available on-site and free Solar Viewing Glasses for everyone. Sunday evening entertainment includes a dance party with The Sun King Warriors. Monday’s full day of activities include drumming, chanting, yoga, nature walks, and more, with eclipse viewing starting at 2pm, rain or shine. Food trucks and refreshments will be available both days as well as warming areas and luxury bathrooms at the barn. Visitors are welcome to stay for the full two-day experience, or just one day, whatever itinerary best fits their needs.
Many State Parks will host special events including Lake Erie State Park, Long Point State Park Barcelona Lighthouse State Park and Sunset Bay State Marine Park. Most parks will have Eclipse glasses and warming shelters available; many will have additional family friendly activities.
Lily Dale Assembly will hold several events surrounding the Total Solar Eclipse. A family friendly Arts and Crafts Funfest will be held on both Sunday April 7th and Monday 8th 10am-5pm.
Join Rev. Kimberly Ferris, Esq. (“The Legal Medium’) in an educational seminar: The Astrology of the Solar Eclipse/New Moon in Aries: New Power, New Beginning, New You. Learn how the stars will align and the planets will gather at their highest point in the sky to create new opportunities in your life. Guests will analyze the chart of the eclipse and compare with their own natal chart to receive messages of support and guidance to light the fire of the universe.
Renown ceremony leader Grandmother Spider will also be hosting a seminar, “Creating a Heart Vortex to Actualize the Full Potential for People and The Earth”, that talks about the Earth Changes, the Fifth World and the importance of following your purpose in life.
Lilydale will also host Cosmic Alignment Yoga and Crystal Bowls sound bath with Nancy Lombardo on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 9am ($15). No experience is necessary. All levels are welcome. Mats provided.
Midway State Park is offering a family friendly event with free entry and viewing glasses for the first 500 guests. The carousel, Mini-golf, & train will be open weather permitting with tickets only 25 cents, or 10/$2. Family friendly crafts will be available for purchase including making buttons, suncatchers, coloring, glow craft, paper plate eclipse craft. Games will include fishbowl, Stick the Moon on the Sun, duck pond, mini-golf trivia with a photo booth will be on site to help families document this momentous event. Food will also be available for purchase and warming stations will be on site.
Adults and children can all enjoy open ice skating at the Northwest Arena in Jamestown Saturday, Sunday and Monday afternoons April 6-8. The arena will also offer Lights Out Ice Bumper Cars as a part of the Eclipse on Ice event.
Panama Rocks Scenic Park will be open from 10am-5pm on April 6, 7, & 8 for hiking and eclipse observation. Eclipse glasses available while supplies last, and guests are invited to stay and camp out overnight for an extended experience under the stars.
For more information and tickets for any above event, visit https://www.tourchautauqua.com/2024-eclipse-directory. Many area restaurants will also be open with dinner/drink specials to help commemorate this event.