by Mike Zale,
Ogden Town Supervisor
It’s never too early to begin planning for what will surely be an extraordinary and memorable occasion coming up this year, the 2024 Solar Eclipse.
Eclipses have held cultural significance throughout history. Some cultures feared eclipses, interpreting them as a terrible crisis or an existential threat. Others celebrated and regarded them as an act of creation. Today, we count down the days to a solar eclipse with excitement and anticipation for this natural phenomenon.
This year, Western New York is in the path of totality for this historic event, taking place on April 8. The duration of the totality will be up to four minutes and 27 seconds. That is nearly double that of the eclipse that occurred in 2017.
Due to our prime viewing location, Visit Rochester estimates we will see 350 to 500 thousand visitors to the Finger Lakes region for this breathtaking experience. This presents a tremendous opportunity to promote the businesses in our community and everything our region has to offer.
A Rochester Solar Eclipse Task force has been formed and many municipalities and businesses are already planning to host events during the eclipse event. Here in the Town of Ogden, we are meeting with officials from the police and fire departments, EMS, businesses and other local stakeholders to plan and prepare for this spectacular occasion. We want our residents and visitors to have a safe and enjoyable viewing experience and we are committed to ensuring just that.
Leading up to the eclipse, the Town of Ogden will be creating and distributing a map to highlight local businesses in the town. This map will notify residents about the events and activities being offered during the eclipse event and help them make an informed decision about where they would like to view this unforgettable spectacle. If you are planning to host an eclipse event or if you’d simply like to promote your business, consider sponsoring our 2024 Solar Eclipse Map.
Those interested can contact me at Supervisor@ogdenny.com or stop by the Town Clerk’s Office to fill out a Town of Ogden Solar Eclipse Map Sponsorship Form. Completed sponsorship forms are due by Monday, February 19.
I am really looking forward to experiencing this rare once in a lifetime occurrence with all of you and I will keep you updated as we learn more.
If you have any questions about the Town of Ogden’s plans for the 2024 Solar eclipse, contact Supervisor@ogdenny.com. You can also visit https://rochestereclipse2024.org/ to learn more about the 2024 Solar Eclipse and how it will impact the Rochester Region.
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