By Darlene Brace
As we well know by now, Monday, April 8, 2024, there will be a total eclipse of the sun taking place in this region of New York State. We will be lucky to be able to witness this extraordinary event. The moon will align perfectly between the Earth and the sun, casting its shadow and creating a few moments of totality of darkness. In Chautauqua County and Cattaraugus County. The partial phase will begin just after 2pm, leading up to the peak of totality at approximately 3:17 and lasting for approximately 3 1/2 minutes. The whole event will span over 2 1/2 hours concluding around 4:30pm.
Many area schools in the region are closed in anticipation of this once in a lifetime event. There is expected to be an influx of thousands of visitors to the region causing increased traffic conditions. It is advised to take extra care and time when traveling.
Since Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties are in the total darkness eclipse path, there are many festivals and activities happening in the area. A couple of weeks ago there was an informative article in The Villager about some of the eclipse events that are taking place in Chautauqua County. Read on to find information about additional eclipse events in Chautauqua County as well as some in Cattaraugus County.
Chautauqua County Events-
The Dunkirk Clarion Hotel, in collaborations with the City of Dunkirk and Steelbound Brewery, are having an Eclipse Feston April 8 from 11am-7pm. There will be waterfront viewing area for the eclipse. There will be food, games and activities. Steelbound will have beer and drink specials. At 3:30 there will be an ice sculpture demonstration. DJ Jas will be playing tunes from 11am-4pm, followed by the Porcelain Bus Drivers from 4pm-7pm. They will also be offering VIP tickets for $50 a person that includes pavilion access, complimentary appetizers 2 drink tickets and one raffle ticket. They are having a raffle with 3 great prizes including a Grand Prize of dinner and an overnight accommodation for two. Some of the proceeds will go to Hope Rises.
Brewery, are having an Eclipse Fest on April 8 from 11am-7pm.
In Clymer, Peek n’ Peak will be inviting the public to the resort on Monday April 8 to enjoy the total eclipse. They will have six viewing stations throughout the resort. They are having a viewing party on the Lodge Deck starting at 12pm. There will be music, food, and drinks to purchase, and firepits to relax near in anticipation of the big event. After the eclipse, there will be a Blue Moon After Party on the Bistro 210.
The Chautauqua County-Jamestown Airport will be having a Solar Eclipse Event on April 7th and 8th. It will be from 9am-5pm both days, located in and near the main terminal building. They will have a pancake breakfast from 7am-12pm both days. Throughout the event there will be music provided by a local DJ as well as over 20 local craft and food vendors. There will be 3 food trucks, an ice crem truck, kettle corn and other tasty treats. The flight school will be providing discovery flights. The large landscape that the airport area has to offer will be a great destination for viewing the total eclipse.
SUNY Fredonia invites students, faculty, the community, and visitors to witness this extraordinary near the campus stadium. All classes on the campus are cancelled. There will be a wide variety of activities planned throughout the day. The event starts at 9am and food trucks will be open at 11am including The Best of Buffalo by Brian. Cheesy Check and others. There will activities throughout the afternoon as well as music. At 8:30pm there will be public telescope viewing.
Sunset Bay Beach Club will be having a Solar Eclipse Weekend Friday April 5th-April 8th. They will be having Happy Hour and then a Gathering Party at 7pm. The fun continues on Saturday with Happy Hour followed by the live music performance of Live and Kickin’ at 7 pm. On Sunday there’s Happy Hour and then their Black Out Pre-Party with Midnight Recovery starting at 7pm. Monday they are having an all-day Blackout Day at Sunset Bay event from 11am-7pm. DJ Felony will be spinning the tunes. There will be activities and outdoor games and a variety of other perks depending on the package you purchase. Admission packages for this event and viewing of the eclipse on the beach ranging from 5$ – 99$ VIP.
Cattaraugus County Eclipse Events-
Seneca Allegany Casino in Salamanca will be having a community watch party in the large back parking lot near the casino building from 2pm-5pm. There will be a variety of food trucks, face painting, balloon artists, corn hole and other outdoor games. There will be live entertainment and a DJ providing music. The first two hundred people get a free T-shirt and free viewing glasses will be available while supplies last.
Allegany State Park is having an eclipse viewing event from 10am to 4pm near the Red House area. There will be arts and crafts for kids, disc golf and eclipse trivia.
Totality Bash at Holiday Valley in Ellicottville is happening April 7&8, beginning Sunday at the Main Lodge with an educational discussion at 3:30pm and continuing on with music, food and drink specials, a photo booth and door prizes. Monday the party begins at 1pm at the Double Diamond Golf Course front 9 open for play. There will be Mardi Gras chairlift rides from 11am-4:30pm, 12pm cookout/food concessions with cash bar and the eclipse viewing will begin at 2:04pm, total totality 3:20pm and eclipse ending at 4:32pm. There will be beer/liquor sampling and door prizes.
Holimont Ski Club in Ellicottville will be having a Total Eclipse Party on the Main Chalet patio. It will be from 12pm to 4pm, and it is free to the public. They will be having cornhole, trivia, and a cookout.
The Nannen Arboretum in Ellicottville is inviting the public to join them for their Solar Eclipse Watch Party starting at 1pm. There’s a nice wide open space by the pond and meadows to view the spectacular event. Protective glasses will be provided. Bring your lawn chair and follow the asphalt path to the pond area. Refreshments and bathrooms will be available.
Downtown Springville will be having a Blackout Block Party from 2pm to 6pm. This event is free to the public and will have a range of activities throughout the day. There will be a variety of food trucks and vendors. live music will be performed by The Lowlies, which is a local husband and wife duo that sings folk music. Downtown businesses and restaurants will remain open. Check spingvillearts.org for more information.
This total solar eclipse in our area will be the last one until it happens again in 2045. If you don’t want to go to a festival with lots of crowds, there are many parks and other good viewing areas to watch the eclipse. No matter where you choose to watch the eclipse, please be careful to wear the safety glasses and to navigate around carefully with all the traffic. It’s sure to be a spectacular once in a lifetime event that you will never forget.