Many people are excited about the solar eclipse that will be visible in our area April 8. Informational programs and several viewing events have been set up to help locals get a good look at the celestial spectacle.
The Allegany National Forest Visitors Bureau will host a program about solar eclipse tips at 10 a.m. Saturday at Kinzua Bridge State Park. Visitors can stand on top of the Sky Walk and learn about eclipses and how to safely view the amazing sight.
The “Bernie Picklo Eclipse Show” will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at Hamlin Memorial Library. The event will inform people all they need to know about the upcoming solar eclipse.
A “Program on the Solar Eclipse” will be hosted by the McKean County Historical Society AT 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Old Jail Museum Lecture Room in Smethport. Richard Smith, retired earth and space science teacher, will discuss how people can best view the eclipse, why total solar eclipses are so rare, and how they differ from a lunar eclipse. Eclipse glasses will be available.
The Bradford Area Public Library will feature a Solar Eclipse Party at 2 p.m. April 8 for children in first through fifth grades. Registration is required for this event, where participants will learn what an eclipse is and what ancient civilizations believed about the phenomenon. Students will be asked to make up their own myths and legends about eclipses. They will then do a craft and enjoy snacks, before moving outside to (safely) view the actual eclipse.
Bradford Regional Airport will host an eclipse viewing party 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to fly or drive in to see the eclipse. There will be an Avfuel discount of 15 cents per gallon and two pairs of glasses will be provided per aircraft, while supplies last. Seating is not provided, so visitors should plan on packing their own chairs to see the show.
A Solar Eclipse Golf Scramble will be hosted at Pine Acres Resort beginning at noon, for a unique golfing experience during the solar eclipse. The cost will be $50 per member and $60 per non-member. This price includes 18 holes with a cart, lunch and prizes. Eclipse glasses will also be provided. Those who wish to attend should register at the clubhouse or on Facebook, or call (814) 362-2005.
There will be a viewing party hosted at Cherry Springs State Park between 2 and 4:30 p.m. Guests will be invited to enjoy fun activities and to view the eclipse through the park’s specially filtered solar telescopes. Glasses will also be available as supplies last.
The Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau will also host a viewing party at Willow Bay. Campsites, if available, can be reserved at Recreation.gov.
