Woodville preparing for the April 8 solar eclipse
It’s been all over the news in recent months but if you haven’t yet heard, there will be a total solar eclipse April 8 and our area will be in the path of totality. It will be the only total solar eclipse this century where totality will be visible in Mexico, the United States, and Canada. It will also be the last total solar eclipse visible in the contiguous United States until Aug. 23, 2044. To say that it’s a big deal for astronomy fans might be a bit of an understatement.In anticipation, Woodville’s downtown businesses have planned a Solar Street Fair that will include not only a variety of solar-themed items available at their shops but also a scavenger hunt, musicians and vendors for a Sunday Funday vibe from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 7.
Guest vendors will include a local greenhouse, paranormal adventurers, a digital anime artist, tarot readings and vendors with homemade baked goods. Martin Marietta will bring an old favorite with the “Guess the Weight of the Rock” contest and the Woodville Public Library will open from 1 to 5 p.m. with crafts for the kiddos.
The Woodville Fourth of July Committee will be at the event with tickets for this year’s Cash Calendar Raffle fundraiser, giving folks the opportunity to be among the first to snap up their lucky ticket number as well as help the committee raise funds for the fireworks show.
If you have not had a chance to pick up solar eclipse glasses yet, they will be available at the library and several of the shops while supplies last.
Schools closed day of eclipse
Due to concerns from county emergency management agencies regarding the huge influx of visitors and traffic that is expected for this area, Woodmore and Solomon schools will be closed April 8. The schools are encouraging families to take the opportunity to enjoy the solar eclipse together and engage in educational activities related to this rare phenomenon.
The Woodville Public Library will be closed the day of the eclipse. Fremont Federal Credit Union will close at 1 p.m. that day. Latest update from the post office is that mail will be delivered that day, but may be later than usual due to heavier-than-usual traffic in the area.
One more tip for the eclipse
During previous eclipses, people around the world have observed animals exhibiting out-of-the ordinary behaviors due to the sun disappearing in the middle of the day. Birds and bugs may go silent while nocturnal animals may wake up and become active. Other than a little confusion, dogs and cats are unlikely to be affected by the eclipse. However, for those worried about their furry friends, recommendations include keeping them indoors and distracted with toys or treats.
ACT/SAT resource review
Learn about digital and print library resources for college entrance exam prep at 7 p.m. April 3 at the Woodville Public Library. Call 419-849-2744 to register.
NHS basketball fundraiser
The Woodmore National Honor Society will host its fifth annual 3V3 Basketball Tournament to support Christy’s Corner Cafe in Elmore, a part of the nonprofit Engaging Opportunities Foundation. The doors will open at noon April 14 at Woodmore High School, 633 Fremont St. in Elmore. Tournament play will begin at 1 p.m.
Registration fee is $50 per team and is due by 3 p.m. April 8 and can be done online at bit.ly/3v3BballTournament or by stopping by the high school office.
Pancake breakfast fundraiser
The annual Alexis Taylor Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser will hold an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon April 6 at the Elmore Community Center, 401 Clinton St.
The fundraiser will also include a pancake toss contest, 50/50 drawing, silent auction, and “Alexis Forever” t-shirts for $10 each. The money raised will be awarded to two Woodmore seniors in May
Vendors wanted
The Woodville Farmers Market is looking for vendors, especially those offering produce, plants and homemade or homegrown products. The markets run from 9 a.m. to noon on the fourth Saturday of the month from May through September. Email WoodvilleFarmersMarket@gmail.com for information.
Contact Rene Dix at 419-307-0914 or via email at rene.dix@email.com.
This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Woodville OH businesses plan Solar Street Fair during eclipse weekend
