ASHLAND — In case you haven’t seen or heard about the solar eclipse happening April 8, here’s your official notice: it’s happening.
Ashland stands in the line of totality for the event, and according to NASA, the next total solar eclipse you’ll be able to see from the U.S. won’t happen until 2044.
It’s kind of a big deal. Ashland expects around 150,000 people to flood into the area to catch a glimpse of the event.
So, since this is kind of a once-in-a-generation thing, we decided to put together a guide of all the things happening ‘round here to celebrate for you all. Now it’s up to you to plan accordingly.
Leading up to the eclipse
The Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce has put together a page of guidelines, resources and suggestions for residents, visitors and businesses to prepare for the eclipse.
Plus, they’ll have limited quantities of eclipse survival boxes available for purchase at the Chamber office from April 1 to 5. Those will have commemorative t-shirts, eclipse glasses, stadium cups, stickers, a snack and area visitor guides.
The Ashland Public Library will distribute solar eclipse glasses at several events in the two weeks leading up to the eclipse. For more information on registering for those events and receiving the glasses, you can visit the library’s website.
During the weekend before the eclipse, Ashland Main Street will host a series of events, and the organization has dubbed the weekend a “Total Eclipse of Downtown.”
Those events and their respective dates are as follows:
- All weekend: Ashland’s DORA will be in place Friday and Saturday for a Shop Hop, where local businesses will be running deals. Main Street is also advertising food trucks and movies that will be available as entertainment options throughout the weekend.
- Friday, April 5: Concert and classic car cruise-in.
- Saturday, April 6: Hidden spaces tour, concert, eclipse science, scavenger hunt.
- Sunday, April 7: Church service and kids’ activities.
Ashland Main Street announced a raffle for a downtown AirBnB, the Boardroom. For $100 per ticket, your name can be entered in a drawing to win a two night stay in downtown Ashland during the eclipse. The Boardroom comes with rooftop access as well.
For tickets, you can visit Ashland Main Street’s website, Facebook, or call or stop in at their office, located on Main Street. The drawing will be March 29.
In Loudonville, the Black Fork Bistro will feature live music, an exceptional menu and drink specials from April 5 to 7. It’ll also be open on April 8, the night of the eclipse.
The Ashland County Fairgrounds has camping sites available for the entire eclipse weekend, and feature food trucks and a cafeteria open for campers.
So, if you and the family want to have a weekend under the stars, the fairgrounds could be an option.
The day of
Schools
If you have a student in school the day of the eclipse, they’re likely going to be off.
For Ashland City Schools, according to Supt. Steve Paramore, the eclipse falls on the final day of spring break.
Mapleton Local Schools and Loudonville-Perrysville Schools students will also be out of school for the day. Hillsdale Local Schools opted for a remote learning day.
Supt. Catherine Trevathan noted that Hillsdale purchased eclipse glasses for all students and staff to watch the event safely. Jennifer Allerding, superintendent in Loudonville-Perrysville, said her district also purchased glasses.
At the university level, Ashland University students’ classes will proceed as normal.
Where to watch
The Archer Library and Ashland Public Library have teamed to provide a chance for students to watch the eclipse on campus.
The public library will set up a table on campus from 1 to 4 p.m. on the day of the eclipse. They’ll have glasses and stickers available (while supplies last), along with information and activities.
Joan’s Tavern, located in downtown Ashland, will have Chuy’s food truck in the parking lot next door from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will be open for the eclipse.
You can also always watch from Freer Field, the fairgrounds or from the comfort of your own home.
No matter where you watch, just make sure to wear a pair of solar eclipse glasses.
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This independent, local reporting provided by our Report for America Corps members is brought to you in part by the generous support of the Ashland County Community Foundation.