Known for welcoming visitors from all around the nation and world, the Model T Museum in Richmond is planning a community celebration and tailgate gathering from noon-4 p.m. Monday, April 8.
Autos of all ages are welcome for the “Sun, Moon & Cars: Total Solar Eclipse” Tailgate.
The museum at 309 N. Eighth St. will be open and offer educational activities and concessions. Admission will be free during those hours.
Registration closes Monday, April 1. Spaces are $25 for one vehicle and four attendees. Additional attendees are $5 each. Registered tailgaters receive free viewing glasses, a gift bag and a private tour of the museum from 11 a.m. to noon. Preregister at www.mtfca.com/museum or call 765-373-3106.
For those who prefer to view the eclipse indoors, the Model T Museum’s new Theatre Room will be open and showing the eclipse live from the NASA livestream.
Model T Museum also is extending its hours on Saturday and Sunday, March 30 and 31, to 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in case visitors are in town for the whole week leading to the eclipse and want to learn more about historic autos.
The tailgate is supported by the Richmond United Enterprise Association.
Scouts seek yard sale donations
Boy Scouts in western Wayne County are planning a yard sale during eclipse weekend in hopes of enticing passersby on U.S. 40.
All proceeds from the April 6-8 sale at 39 E. Main St. in Cambridge City go to Troop 3.
Items of any amount may be dropped off at the front porch. Pickup may be requested by calling or texting 765-259-4827.
2 Centerville sites opening for eclipse guests
Centerville-Abington Community Schools has announced it’s opening four parking lots on Monday, April 8, for solar eclipse viewing.
Spots will be $20 each at 509 Willow Grove Road, Centerville, starting at 11 a.m.
Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets and take advantage of the open field for better viewing. Streetlights can reduce the viewing experience.
Various booths will sell items to support students, and concession stands will be open. Solar eclipse glasses will be sold as well.
No pets, tobacco or alcohol will be allowed on school grounds.
For more information about CACS, call 765-855-3475, ext. 1191.
Nearby, Cope Environmental Center is selling a limited number of advance tickets ($20 per person for ages 4 and older) to view the eclipse on its grounds.
Tickets include programs and activities beginning at 10 a.m. and viewing glasses. Food, drinks and merchandise will be for sale.
Guests are to enter at the north-side entrance, 1730 Airport Road, Centerville, and bring chairs/blankets. They should leave alcohol and pets (except service animals) at home.
Tickets can be purchased at visitcope.org. For more information, call 765-855-3188.
In addition, Cope announced it’s asking for donations of shoeboxes before April 4 to repurpose for a solar eclipse craft. (Or is that a SOLE-R eclipse craft?) Boxes may be dropped off between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays.
Banks announce April 8 closure
First Bank Richmond and Wayne Bank announced all of its locations will be closed April 8. Officials said it is in the best interest of customers and staff to close that day in preparation for the tremendous amount of traffic coming to the area.
“At First Bank, we believe in embracing extraordinary moments, and the solar eclipse is no exception,” said a message sent to customers.
Digital banking services and ATMs will be available.
Send tidbits of interest about the upcoming eclipse to WWN for publication consideration.
A version of this article appeared in the March 27 2024 print edition of the Western Wayne News.