In less than three weeks, people will be making their way to our region to witness the total solar eclipse.Burlington is expecting roughly 60,000 people to show up on April 8.“This is different because we know people are coming,” said John Flanagan, BCA communications director. “We have a built-in audience.”Parts of Vermont are right in the direct path of the total solar eclipse that is crossing through North America.On Thursday, Obscura Burlington organizers held an informational meeting with the public to answer any pressing questions they had.Many had logistic questions pertaining to traveling and parking. There were also questions about security.Organizers say safety is at the forefront.They say they’re working with both local and state police.They’re also hiring extra private security, having up to eight security guards at each viewing location. “We’re looking to create a very safe, secure, and hospitable experience,” said Zach Williamson.Because of the influx of people, there will be adjustments to traveling and parking.One of the biggest changes will be closing Route 127, which connects the New North End to Colchester.They plan to turn that strip into parking spots. Williamson said they’ve done that in the past and believe they can be successful in this situation.“We did it during COVID where we had to shut it down a couple times to pass out food and other items, so it has been done before,” Williamson said.Each viewing site will have a merchandise booth on site for visitors to commemorate the historic moment.One item organizers said is a necessary purchase is the special solar eclipse glasses.They say not only are they beneficial for viewing purposes, but for safety reasons.The city purchased $50,000 of them to make sure everyone can have the best experience.“You will not be putting these on and walking around from partial eclipse through totality all the way to partial eclipse, you will not be able to see a thing,” Williamson said. “You will only need it when you’re looking directly at the sun.”The total eclipse begins at 3:26 p.m.It’s set to last approximately three minutes.For more information pertaining to Obscura Burlington, click here.
In less than three weeks, people will be making their way to our region to witness the total solar eclipse.
Burlington is expecting roughly 60,000 people to show up on April 8.
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“This is different because we know people are coming,” said John Flanagan, BCA communications director. “We have a built-in audience.”
Parts of Vermont are right in the direct path of the total solar eclipse that is crossing through North America.
On Thursday, Obscura Burlington organizers held an informational meeting with the public to answer any pressing questions they had.
Many had logistic questions pertaining to traveling and parking. There were also questions about security.
Organizers say safety is at the forefront.
They say they’re working with both local and state police.
They’re also hiring extra private security, having up to eight security guards at each viewing location.
“We’re looking to create a very safe, secure, and hospitable experience,” said Zach Williamson.
Because of the influx of people, there will be adjustments to traveling and parking.
One of the biggest changes will be closing Route 127, which connects the New North End to Colchester.
They plan to turn that strip into parking spots.
Williamson said they’ve done that in the past and believe they can be successful in this situation.
“We did it during COVID where we had to shut it down a couple times to pass out food and other items, so it has been done before,” Williamson said.
Each viewing site will have a merchandise booth on site for visitors to commemorate the historic moment.
One item organizers said is a necessary purchase is the special solar eclipse glasses.
They say not only are they beneficial for viewing purposes, but for safety reasons.
The city purchased $50,000 of them to make sure everyone can have the best experience.
“You will not be putting these on and walking around from partial eclipse through totality all the way to partial eclipse, you will not be able to see a thing,” Williamson said. “You will only need it when you’re looking directly at the sun.”
The total eclipse begins at 3:26 p.m.
It’s set to last approximately three minutes.
For more information pertaining to Obscura Burlington, click here.
