BEDFORD – The total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, is only 97 days away and will be one of the most urban eclipses for decades. The commissioners learned about detailed plans for the county during their meeting Tuesday morning.
During a total solar eclipse, the moon appears almost the same size as the sun, blocking the entire disk for a few minutes. The result is a beautiful totality during which the sun’s corona is visible to the naked eye. Here’s everything you need to know about this rare event.
Lawrence County will experience 3:42 minutes of total darkness.
“Monroe County is in the direct path of the longest darkness,” said Emergency Management Director Valerie Luchauer. “That means we will have to be prepared for a major increase in traffic. They are saying to be ready for three times your county’s population, and we may see more than that due to the eclipse’s path.”
The estimated population in Lawrence County is 45,222, according to the US Census. Now add three times that amount here to view the eclipse, and you are looking at 135,666.
“If we have learned anything from other cities and counties that have experienced an eclipse, they were all underprepared,” added Luchauer. “We are working diligently and have plans in place. Businesses and residents may not get general deliveries, and we will run out of food, water, and fuel. Traffic will be gridlocked. There will be problems with cell phone reception and overloaded lines.”
“During the 2017 eclipse in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, motorists were waiting 8 to 13 hours in traffic to exit the city,” added Luchauer.
Several offices have reported they will be closed. Those who work the second shift may have trouble making it to work on time. North Lawrence Community School students will have no school on April 8.
Tonya Chastain with Lawrence County Tourism said Bloomington hotels and motels are booked and Lawrence County rooms are filling up fast, along with campsites at several locations.
“Our goal is to educate the public about what will happen on April 8th. This will be something they have never seen before,” added Chastain.
The Lawrence County Fairgrounds will host a Total Eclipse Weekend during the weekend leading up to the Total Eclipse. These four fun-filled days will include craft shows, carnival rides, live music with a cash bar, food vendors, and more. Campsites on the grounds will be available. Special viewing spots will be available at the fairgrounds on Monday, April 8.
Safety Tips
Protecting your eyes from the sun when viewing the eclipse is critically important. During the event, the sun’s rays are so concentrated they can reach the back of your eye and cause damage to the retina. Use special eclipse viewing glasses, a certified viewing card, or alternative methods for protection. Avoid binoculars, telescopes, any glasses, and regular sunglasses.
Total Eclipse Weekend Events and Camping at Lawrence County Fairgrounds
April 5, 2024
Friday 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- Craft show
- Carnival rides
- Live music with a cash bar
- Food vendors
Gate Admission is $5 per car.
Carnival rides, food, and drinks extra.
April 6, 2024
Saturday Noon – 10 p.m.
- Craft Show
- Carnival rides
- Live music with a cash bar
- Food vendors
- 5K Run/Walk benefiting Agape Kids House
Gate Admission is $5 per car.
Carnival rides, food, and drinks extra.
April 7, 2024
Sunday Noon – 6 p.m.
- Craft Show
- Carnival rides
- Live music with a cash bar
- Food vendors
Gate Admission is $5 per car.
Carnival rides, food, and drinks extra.
April 8, 2024
Monday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Total Eclipse Day
- Craft Show
- Food vendors
- Special Total Eclipse Viewing Parking. Gates open at 7 am.
$20 per car.
Camping – three-night minimum (Apr. 5 – 7) $199.
Restrooms available. Campsite reservations will be available soon.
A total solar eclipse hasn’t occurred over present-day Indiana in more than 800 years. After the 2024 total eclipse, the state will not experience another one until 2044.
