Hornell eclipse guide: Shawmut Park is 'eclipse central' for games, food, viewing April 8

Flatten your cereal boxes and grab some safety glasses.

Hornell is gearing up for the first total solar eclipse in the Southern Tier in nearly 100 years on April 8.

The place to be locally will be Shawmut Park, where the Friends of the Hornell Public Library, HPG and the Chamber of Commerce are partnering on five hours of games, food and fun in an ideal location for an unobstructed view of the sky.

The Great American total solar eclipse will traverse 29 counties in the Empire State, with the moon passing between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun and darkening the sky as if it were dawn or dusk.

"Besides being beautiful to witness, this total solar eclipse also will allow scientists a rare opportunity to study the sun’s corona, expanding our knowledge of the sun-Earth connection and its impact on our planet," said Janet Petro, director of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Time of the eclipse in Hornell, where to get protective glasses

Hornell is close to the path of totality. The city will experience a "deep partial" eclipse as the moon blocks out more than 99% of the sun's light.

The partial eclipse will begin at 2:06 p.m. and the peak viewing time in the Maple City is at 3:21:30. The partial eclipse will continue until 4:33.

More: What time does April 8 solar eclipse peak in the Hornell area? When, where to watch

Gazing at the bright rays from the eclipse without protective eyewear can seriously damage the retina of the eye, so wearing a pair of safe glasses is paramount.

The Hornell Public Library has eclipse glasses free of charge and there are 700 pairs available. Pick them up during regular hours at the library, 64 Genesee St. Two pairs per family.

For those in the giving mood, the library is the collection site for cereal boxes. Drop them off at the library and they will be converted to STEM sundial kits and available at Shawmut Park for an alternative, safe way to experience the eclipse.

Certified solar eclipse glasses are also available online.

Here are a few more details on what's planned at Shawmut Park.

Shawmut Park Eclipse event: Vendors, games, food, science activities

NASA live streaming, food vendors, craft vendors, raffles, face painting, music and several eclipse-themed science activities are on tap April 8 at the Shawmut Drive park from noon to 5 p.m.

At least four food vendors are signed up, nearly two dozen craft vendors are slated to be in the park and community groups like the Hornell Area Family YMCA, Kelly's Critter Crew and Heidi's Helping Hands are scheduled to take part.

When not gazing at the sky, be on the lookout for DJ Truth, who will be spinning tunes. "Don't let the sun go down on me," anyone?

More eclipse coverage: Alfred U. astronomer on what to expect, safe viewing, best places to watch

Hornell library staff have made an all-out effort to get the community involved in eclipse.

"People are very excited. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The next total solar eclipse will not be coming through this part of New York again until 2144," said Eba Klindt, a Hornell Library aide who has been promoting the event.

Organizers expect to have up to 200 additional pairs of protective glasses at the park as well.

What are Hornell area schools, businesses doing for the eclipse?

April 8 is being recognized at the Hornell City School District, where there will be a "Superintendents Day" and students will have the entire day off from classes. The district is also providing eclipse glasses to all students.

There will be no school April 8 in Livingston County, which is in the full path of totality.

More: Here's what Hornell-area schools have planned for the solar eclipse on April 8

Many districts in Steuben and Allegany counties are canceling school altogether or holding half-days on April 8, allowing students plenty of time to get home and watch the eclipse.

On the business front, Wegmans announced it will close its Hornell store and 47 other locations between 3 and 3:30 p.m. April 8 to allow staff to view the eclipse.

Alfred State hosting Big Blue’s Solar Sizzle

Alfred State College is celebrating the solar eclipse with "Big Blue’s Solar Sizzle: a Totality Awesome Party" from 2-4:30 p.m. on the SLC green space. Music and lawn games will crank up the festivities while themed food treats will add to the celebration. The Alfred State bell tower will play eclipse-worthy tunes.

"Dancing in the Dark," "Total Eclipse of the Heart," and "Here Comes the Sun" are songs that come to mind.

While classes and other college activities will operate on a regular schedule, office managers and directors are being encouraged to use their discretion to allow staff to attend.

Faculty are welcome to adjust their class plans for the day and bring their students to the celebration.

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This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Solar eclipse 2024: Shawmut Park is Hornell viewing headquarters