Exciting events for the eclipse

Ohio businesses and tourism groups don't want locals kept in the dark on events planned for this spring's eclipse. On April 8, a total solar eclipse will occur in the area for the first time since 1806. Ohio will not experience another until 2099. Erie, Huron, Ottawa and Sandusky counties will be in the path of totality, meaning that the moon will completely block the sun for roughly four minutes that afternoon. Given the rarity of the event and the area's unique position, the area is expected to experience travelers hoping to see the eclipse. "We have been hosting and organizing monthly meetings for about a year now with community organizations," Jill Bauer of Shores & Islands said. "We can all work together to make this a safe and fun experience for anyone coming to visit in April." The exact number of visitors expected is unknown, but Destination Cleveland reported that a survey reported that 30% of respondents would be willing to travel more than 50 miles to experience the best view of the event. "We feel our area is poised to be one of the most visited in the path due to our proximity to millions of people within a short drive, relatively unobstructed views, location on the lake, and breadth of other area activities available," Bauer said. "In order to mitigate excessive crowding, we are encouraging local communities to extend their programming beyond the actual April 8 date," Bauer continued. "Our messaging to the visitor is, much like the state of Ohio's, to come early and stay late, so as not to cause bottlenecks and traffic issues." Free eclipse safety glasses will be available from Shores & Islands Ohio. For more information, visit shoresandislands.com. SANDUSKY • Total Solar Eclipse at Sidney Frohman Planetarium: From 2-4:30 p.m. on April 8, the Sidney Frohman Planetarium, 2130 Hayes Ave., will host a group viewing of the eclipse. For more information, visit scs-k12.net. • Viewing Party: On April 8, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, 7000 Kalahari Dr., will host a viewing party. For more information, visit kalahariresorts.com. • Path Over Paddle: From 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on April 8, the Paddle Bar, 305 E. Water St., will host an eclipse viewing party. There will be live music from Ira Morehart and Chase Franklin. For more information, visit paddlebarsandusky.com. • Solar Spin: From 1:30-4:30 p.m. on April 8, Pedego Electric Bikes, 131 E. Water St., will host a group electric bike ride during the eclipse. Attendees can bring their bikes or rent one. Visit the Pedego Electric Bikes Sandusky Facebook page. • Total Eclipse of Sundusky Festival: From April 5-8, the Jackson Street Pier, 233 W. Shoreline Dr., will host a festival to celebrate the eclipse. The festival will have live music, a vendor's market and more. For more information, visit cityofsandusky.com. • Total Eclipse of the Point: From noon to 6 p.m. on April 8, Cedar Point, 1 Cedar Point Dr., will host an eclipse viewing party at its Grand Pavilion Restaurant and Bar. Select rides will be open. An event ticket is required, no season passes will be accepted. For more information, visit cedarpoint.com. OAK HARBOR • Eclipse over Ottawa County: From April 4-8, the Ottawa County Fairgrounds, 7870 OH-163, will host camping. There is electricity and water at each site. For more information, visit ottawacountyfair.com. HURON • Park PALS: From 10:30-11:30 a.m. on April 8, Osborn Metropark, 3910 Perkins Ave., will host its Preschoolers Actively Learning Science program. Children ages 3-6 will learn about solar eclipse through physical activity, storytime and crafting. Registration is required and space is limited. For more information, visit eriemetroparks.org. • Eclipse Viewing Party: From noon to 4 p.m. on April 8, Farmer Jones Farm Market, 1517 Scheid Road, will host an eclipse viewing party. Protective glasses will be provided. For more information, visit farmerjonesfarm.com. • Totality in a Great Lake Place: On April 8, the City of Huron will host an eclipse-viewing event at the Huron Boat Basin, 330 N. Main St. There will be live music from Attraxxion, the Michael Mage Experience Magic Show, food trucks and more. For more information, visit cityofhuron.org. MARBLEHEAD • Total Solar Eclipse Celebration: From April 5-8, Lakeside Chautauqua, 236 Walnut Ave., will host special events to celebrate the eclipse. Events include a scavenger hunt, trivia, movie showings, miniature golf, a puzzle competition and more. For additional information, visit lakesideohio.com. KELLEYS ISLAND • Eclipse Event: From 1-5 p.m. on April 8, the Crooked Tree Vineyard, 715 E. Lakeshore Dr., will host an eclipse-viewing party. There will be wine and a snack buffet. Registration is required and space is limited. For more information, visit crookedtreevineyard.com. • Eclipse Viewing and Spring Open House: From 1-5 p.m. on April 8, the Charles Herndon Galleries and Sculpture Garden, 110 Laylin Lane, will host a viewing party of the eclipse. There will be food and music. Viewing glasses will be available while supplies last. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets. For more information, visit charlesherndon.com. • Solar Eclipse Watch Party: At noon on April 8, the Village Pump, 103 W. Lakeshore Dr., will host an eclipse viewing party. There will be live entertainment from Scott Shall. For more information, visit villagepumpkioh.com. PUT-IN-BAY • A Monumental Eclipse: From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 8, Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial, 93 Delaware Ave., will host a viewing of the eclipse. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to sit on the lawn. The Visitor's Center will be open. Solar glasses will be available as supplies last. For more information, visit nps.gov. • Island Viewing Party: From 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on April 8, the Lonz Winery, 1719 Fox Road, will host an eclipse viewing. The Island Grind Coffee Shop and the Prohibition bar will be open. For more information, visit presshousembi.com PORT CLINTON • Eclipse Viewing Party: From noon to 6 p.m. on April 8, the Jet Express, 3 N. Monroe St., will host a viewing event. Attendees will be able to view the eclipse from the passenger waiting terminal. The Island Port Bar will be open. For more information, visit jet-express.com. • The Park Goes Dark: At 11 a.m. on April 8, Main Street Port Clinton will host an eclipse viewing event at Waterworks Park, 205 E. Perry St. For more information, visit mainstreetportclinton.org. • Totality over Twin Oast: From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on April 8, Twin Oast Brewing, 3630 NE Catawba Road, will host an eclipse viewing event. There will be a special beer release and viewing glasses will be provided. For more information, visit twinoast.com. BELLEVUE • EclipseVue: All-day on April 8, Bellevue Area Tourism and Visitors Bureau, 1 Union St., will host specials for the day of the eclipse. There will be pre-paid parking opportunities, food trucks, educational talks and more. For additional information, visit bellevueohtourism.com. • Total Solar Eclipse Gathering: From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 8, Cherry City Honey, 1000 CR 312, will host a group viewing event. The event includes candle-making, honey tasting and lunch. For more information, visit cherrycityhoney.com. BERLIN HEIGHTS • Solar Eclipse Nature Hike: From 2-4 p.m. on April 8, Edison Woods Metropark, 8111 Smokey Road, will host an outdoor walk. Attendees will see how nature reacts to the blackout. For more information, visit eriemetroparks.org. MILAN • Solar Eclipse Viewing Party: From noon to 5 p.m. on April 8, the Milan Wine Post, 1 N. Main St., will host an eclipse viewing event. There will be live music and specials in the Milan Public Square. For more information, visit themilanwinepost.com.