Eclipse parties planned across Johnson County
Apr. 6—Businesses and organizations are hosting a wide variety of opportunities to participate in Monday's total solar eclipse. Totality will be around 1:39 p.m. across most of the county.
Southwestern Adventist University is one of the places you can have a unique experience viewing the eclipse at the Thomsen Observatory. The observatory was founded in 1984 through the generosity of alums Dennis and Connie Dickerson and the efforts of academic dean Hal Wright and physics professor Roy Campbell. The observatory's name honors the memory of Eugene V. Thomsen, a modern languages professor and formerly Southwestern's academic dean.
Several years ago, the original reflector telescope was replaced with a new 10-inch refractor telescope.
"Thanks to the efforts of several faculty, alumni and community members and the generosity of the Thomsen family, the Observatory is functioning once again, but now with the option of either astrophotography or eyepiece viewing," said Joe Zemleduch, Southwestern marketing and PR director.
The eclipse viewing party at the observatory is from 12:30-3 p.m. The event will include free guest parking, free solar glasses, solar safe telescopes and food vendors. The total eclipse can be viewed from 1:40-1:44 p.m. at the observatory, 425 Linden St. in Keene. The physical address is listed as Cleburne when mapped. The viewing event will be from 12:30-3:00pm.
In downtown Burleson's Mayor Vera Calvin Plaza, a viewing party is being hosted from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. by Explore Burleson, Burleson Parks and Recreation, Burleson Public library and the Burleson Area Chamber of Commerce. Rio Brazos Master Naturalists will be there, and Center for ASD will be passing out solar viewing glasses (while supplies last.) Entry is free.
Massey's BBQ is hosting a Total Eclipse Pit today and Sunday at 102 N. Parkway Drive in Alvarado. David Graham performs from 1-4:30 p.m. today, follow by Buck Reams from 6:30-9 p.m. A live and silent auction benefiting The Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps begins at 6 p.m. On Sunday, David Graham performs from 1-4:30 p.m. again, followed by Buck Reams from 6:30-9 p.m.
At the Dillon Depot in Cleburne, a variety of events are planned that stretch out over the entire weekend. Sonny Burgess performs at 6 p.m. tonight, and activities run all weekend. The weekend is full of free entertainers, a petting zoo, vendors, food trucks, bounce houses and more. The hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today through Monday.
Other local events include:
* Lost Oak Winery in Burleson: Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy live music from Suzy & the Sissies full band. Calhoun's Country Smoke mobile smoker will offer smoked meats and sandwiches for lunch. Lost Oak will be handing out complimentary eclipse viewing glasses and commemorative wine glasses (both are complimentary and while supplies last). Event is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and tickets are required at lostoakwinery.com.
* Lumberyard Bar and Grill in Burleson: A Sips and Eclipse Happy Hour is from noon to 3 p.m. Realtors can join for heavy appetizers, unlimited soda, tea and water, and two drink tickets each. RSVP to shantell@mcknighttitle.com or text 817-480-5357.
* Elk Creek Assisted Living and Memory Care in Burleson: A Solar Eclipse Viewing Party is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Activities include a showing of "The Ring of Fire" at 10 a.m.; solar eclipse-themed lunch at noon; yard games at 12:45 p.m.; Blue Bell ice cream tasting and eclipse glasses pick-up at 1 p.m.; and total solar eclipse viewing at 1:36 p.m. For information, call 817-539-6818.
* Johnson County Distillery in Cleburne: Open from noon to 4 p.m. Free eclipse viewing glasses with purchase of a pizza.
* City of Cleburne: The Cleburne Solar Eclipse Spectacular is from 12:21-3:01 p.m. at 10 N. Robinson St.
* Chisholm Trail Museum in Cleburne: The Cosmic Cowboy Solar Eclipse is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 101 Chisholm Trail in Cleburne. Free event, but donations are appreciated. All of the historic buildings will be open, and food trucks will be there. Free souvenir to the first 25 people who attend.
* Stone Trough Mercantile in Cleburne: Total Solar Eclipse Watch Party is from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Bring lawn chairs and watch the eclipse from the lawn on the side of the Mercantile. Hang out in the tasting room or on the patio while enjoying a pasture raised and grassfed turkey or brisket sandwich or charcuterie board with a glass of Ston Trough Wine. Solar eclipses glasses available. Purchase tickets (limit of 75) at stonetroughwine.com.
* Mom's Kitchen in Cleburne: Viewing party from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
* B. Blumen Flower Farm in Godley: Solar Eclipse Yoga is from 1-3 p.m. at 7901 Stephenson Road in Godley. Cost is $50 per ticket or $45 when you bring a friend. Purchase tickets at bblumenflowerfarm.com.
* A StuCo Tailgate Party in Rio Vista: Rio Vista High School's parking lots at 100 Capps St. open at 11 a.m. Entrance is $10 per parking pass. A limited supply of hot dogs, chips and drinks are for sale. School activity rules apply — no alcohol, tobacco or firearms. Bring chairs, your own food and cornhole boards.
* Rio Vista Self Storage in Rio Vista: Eclipse glasses and snacks provided, as well as fun eclipse facts. Event is from noon to 3 p.m.
Totality begins 75 minutes from the first contact of the moon and the sun. Totality lasts an average of 3-4 minutes across the center of the path. For Johnson County, totality begins at 1:39 p.m.
