April 8, 2024 Solar Eclipse Guide

Tips for a Successful Eclipse

FIND INFORMATION

Find complete information about the April 8 total solar eclipse, related activities and viewing locations at WayneCountySolarEclipse.com and at the Old National Road Welcome Center, 5701 National Road E., Richmond, where eclipse glasses and viewers, souvenirs and more are available. An eclipse hotline provides information by calling 765-935-8687 and asking about the eclipse.

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE

Purchase essentials, such as prescriptions, groceries and fuel, early to avoid crowds and traffic congestion. Expect delays on the roads and crowds at restaurants and other businesses. Leave extra travel time and show patience.

WHEN IS IT?

The total solar eclipse is expected to begin locally about 1:52 p.m. April 8 and last until about 4:24 p.m. Totality is expected from about 3:07 to 3:11 p.m. It will last 4 minutes in Dalton Township, 3:59.2 in Hagerstown, 3:58 in Williamsburg, 3:56.9 in Greens Fork, 3:56.7 in Cambridge City, 3:56.5 in Fountain City, 3:52 in Centerville and 3:48.8 in Richmond.

BE EARLY. STAY. LEAVE LATE.

On April 8, crowds of people seeking to see the eclipse will cause traffic congestion. Safety experts recommend arriving at viewing sites early, staying there throughout the eclipse and waiting after the eclipse to leave. 

WEATHER AND TRAFFIC AWARE

Prepare for the weather with proper clothing and sun protection. Sign up for Nixle to receive weather messages from Wayne County Emergency Management Agency. Text 47374 to 888777 or go online to Nixle.com to register.

Prepare to spend time in your vehicle, so have water, snacks, device chargers and make sure to have fuel. Do not call 911 or the local dispatch center for traffic information. The Indiana Department of Transportation offers interactive traffic maps at 511in.org.

PROTECT YOUR EYES

The bright sun can cause permanent damage to retinas. Make sure to wear special eclipse glasses — not sunglasses — or look through special viewers during times of partial eclipse. Glasses must meet ISO 12312-2 specifications. Do not use eclipse glasses that have scratches on the lenses or other damage.

Do not look through cellphones, cameras, binoculars or telescopes with eclipse glasses. Special filters are needed and must be placed in front of optical devices. The only time it’s safe to look at the eclipse without glasses, viewers or filters is during the time of totality.

Glasses, viewers and filters are available at the Welcome Center.

COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS

Anticipate difficulty using cellphones and other devices because of crowds demanding for phone signals and internet bandwidth. Set up communication plans and reunification points with family and friends. Carry cash in case there’s difficulty with credit card scanners. 

News Articles

Events and Viewing Opportunities

These activities are open to residents and eclipse visitors throughout the weekend.

April 4

  • Trail hike, 9 a.m., Hayes Arboretum, 801 Elks Road, Richmond. Guided. Register at hayesarb.org or 765-962-3745. Free.
  • Solar eclipse activities, 4-5 p.m. April 4, fairgrounds, 861 Salisbury Road N., Richmond. Programs for grades 5-8 before gathering April 8 at fairgrounds. Free. 4-H membership not required. Registration required at solareclipseclub.4honline.com. 765-973-9281 or acriswel@purdue.edu
Eclipse glasses are used during the 2017 total solar eclipse. Supplied by NASA

April 5

  • Walking tour, 9 a.m., Hayes Arboretum, 801 Elks Road, Richmond. Learn arboretum history with a 1-mile paved walking tour. Free. Register at hayesarb.org or 765-962-3745.
  • Planetarium events, Joseph Moore Museum, 801 National Road W., Richmond. Show at 10 a.m. and noon. Movie at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Thirty minutes each. Free. Registration: lu.ma/u/JMM
  • Solar system tour, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Whitewater Hall lobby, IU East, 2325 Chester Blvd., Richmond. Astronomer leading 30-minute tours for groups of 20. Free to community. RSVP at tinyurl.com/EastSolar
  • Murder mysteries, 6 p.m., Hueston Woods State Park Lodge, College Corner, Ohio. Dinner and “Henry Potter and the Vanishing” show. Eclipsed-themed “A Veil for Murder” at 6 p.m. April 6. $60 per person per person. Reservations: 513-664-3500
  • Musical, 7 p.m. April 5-6, Dennis Middle School, 222 N.W. Seventh St., Richmond. “The Wizard of Oz” by RCS’ Middle School Drama Club. $5 adults, students free.
  • Concert and costume party, 8:15-10:15 p.m., corner of South Washington and West Walnut streets, Hagerstown. Music by Chardon Polka Band. Contest for “Out of This World” costumes.

April 5-6 and 8-9

  • Added hours, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Wayne County Genealogical Society at First Friends Meeting, 2010 Chester Blvd., Richmond. Free help with genealogy research. 765-277-1207

April 5-8

  • Kids’ activities, 10-11 a.m., Joseph Moore Museum, Earlham College, 801 National Road W., Richmond. Eclipse-themed story and activity geared to ages 5 and younger and caregivers. Free.
  • Eclipse activities, Wayne County Fairgrounds, 861 Salisbury Road N., Richmond. Michael Jackson, Elton John and Kiss tribute shows, local bands, Black Legacy Project’s Soulful Sunday, food, crafts, family movie and activities, ziplining, night LED drone show and fireworks display. $5 entry, 10 and younger free. Attractions extra. solareclipsemore2024.com
  • Eclipse party, VFW, 219 N. Ohio St., Greenville, Ohio. Live music from 7:30-10:30 p.m. April 5-6; DJ, 5-8 p.m. April 7. No cover. Music by Triple Nickle at noon April 8 for $15 cover. Food trucks. 937-423-2664

April 6

  • Reservoir opening, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Middlefork Reservoir, Sylvan Nook Drive, Richmond. Boat rentals available. Reservoir also open same hours April 7-8.
  • Breakfast, 7:30-10:30 a.m., Centerville-Abington Senior Center, 111 S. Second St., Centerville. Organized by Lions Club.
  • Vendor bazaar, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., New Testament Church of Christ, 752 W. Main St., Hagerstown. Fundraiser for new child care and preschool. 765-489-5762
  • Treasures sale, 9 a.m.-noon, Maplewood Park, 116 E. Plum St., Centerville. Garage sale, flea market and antique items sold from trunks/truck beds. Vendors welcome. 901-574-2246
  • Mountain bike tour, 9 a.m.-noon, Hayes Arboretum, Richmond. Meet at lot at Hayes Arboretum Road and Woodside Drive. Family friendly. Two routes. Free. Registration recommended at hayesarb.org.
  • Eclipse market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Starr-Gennett Building, 101 S. First St., Richmond. Themed activities and wildlife education, 35-plus vendors, live music from The Make-Believe Spurs.
  • Character breakfast, 9:30-11 a.m., First English Lutheran Church, 2727 E. Main St., Richmond. More than 20 characters will pose for photos and sing, light breakfast, storytime and books. Adult, $10; kids, $15. No tickets sold at door. gorct.org or 765-962-1816.
  • Artisan market and art competition, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Lions Den, 600 W. Main St., and Whosoever Ministries, 207 N. Green St., Fountain City. fountaincityforward.org
  • Kids’ activities, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Maplewood Park, 116 E. Plum St., Centerville. Bounce houses. Sawdust dig from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. DJ from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. mainstreetcenterville.org
  • Bike ride, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Elstro Plaza, 47 N. Sixth St., Richmond. Ride to fairgrounds to see kite maker/ flying entertainer. Social hour with refreshments at 9:30 a.m. Free for ride; fairgrounds admission $5.
  • Astronomer talk, 11 a.m., Cambridge City Public Library, 600 W. Main St., Cambridge City. Featuring Indiana Academy teacher Krista Hook. Registration encouraged at 765-478-3335.
  • Storytime, 11-11:30 a.m., Morrisson-Reeves Library, 80 N. Sixth St., Richmond. Eclipse-themed stories for kids. Free.
  • Youth baseball invite, noon April 6-7, varsity baseball field, 299 N. Sycamore St., Hagerstown. Four 14u teams will compete. Free admission.
  • Live music, 1-8 p.m., Lincoln High School football field, 215 E. Parkway Drive, Cambridge City. Scott Ross until 3 p.m., when AJ Wetzel performs. Sean Lamb Janet Miller Band from 5-8. $5 day pass; free for LHS students with all-sports pass.
  • Ice cream social, 1-3 p.m., Centerville-Abington Senior Center, 111 S. Second St., Centerville. $3 donation per bowl, featuring Blue “Moon” ice cream.
  • Eclipse concert, 2 p.m., Hagerstown Jr.-Sr. High School auditorium, 701 Baker Road, Hagerstown. Richmond Community Orchestra performs eclipse-themed music with HHS band members. Free. 765-966-2833
  • Eclipse concert, 4-8 p.m., Hagerstown Jr.-Sr. High School gym, 701 Baker Road, Hagerstown. Featuring Grammy nominee Jeffrey Steele, Sam Hawksley, Mike Younger and Jeanne Petersen. Free. hagerstowneclipse@gmail.com
  • Fundraiser, 4-8 p.m., Chipotle, 3726 National Road E., Richmond. Use code RR673KB online or show flyer from Communities in Schools. CISWayneCo.org
  • Candlelight tours, 7 and 8 p.m., April 6-7, Levi & Catharine Coffin State Historic Site, 201 U.S. 27 N., Fountain City. Learn about freedom seekers who chose to risk everything to escape slavery. Registration required by 5 p.m. For ages 8-plus. Adult, $16; child, $11. 765-847-1691.
  • Concert, 7 p.m., National Trail High School, 6940 Oxford-Gettysburg Road, New Paris, Ohio. 25th anniversary for National Trail steel band (60 alumni performing). Guests include Richmond High School band and professional steel pannist Tracy Thornton. $7. jjordan@nationaltrail.us.
  • Stand-up comedy, 8 p.m., 4th Floor Blues Club, 923 N. E St., Richmond. Pat Godwin and Stacy Corwin Chew. $20 advance, $25 at door. InCONCERT benefit for local charities. inconcertrichmond.com or 765-966-5654
  • Night hike, 8 p.m., Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary, 3499 S. Bird Sanctuary Road, Connersville. $15; free for 17 and younger (adult required). Register at indianaaudubon.org/events.  
  • Fireworks, 8:30 p.m., airport, 999 S. Washington St., Hagerstown. 765-238-7075
Hagerstown is planning events for the April 8 solar eclipse. Photo by Bob Hansen

April 6-8

  • Drive-thru breakfast, 7 a.m.-noon April 6 and 8, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. April 7, St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 333 W. Maple St., Cambridge City. Sausage/egg sandwiches and biscuits/gravy.
  • All-day grill, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., fire station, 127 W. Maple St., Cambridge City.
  • Street fair, Historic Depot District, 900 block North E and surrounding area, Richmond.
  • Art show, noon-7 p.m., 1 E. Church St., Cambridge City. Open to all Whitewater Valley artists. Drop off works from noon-7 p.m. April 1-2. Whitewater Valley Arts Association event. 765-312-1001
  • Festival, Gateway Park, Metamora. Tin foil hat contest and movie on April 6; Renegades concert on outdoor stage April 7. Info: Dark Side of the Moon Festival Metamora on Facebook or 765-647-2541

April 7

  • 5K run/walk, 9 a.m., Lincoln High School, 205 E. Parkway Drive, Cambridge City. For Business Professionals of America. $25
  • Film screening, 1-2:30 p.m., Earlham College’s Carpenter Hall, 801 National Road W., Richmond. New documentary “Blind Logic: The Ralph R. Teetor Story” about cruise control inventor being shown before national release. Q&A with filmmakers afterward. Free; reserve tickets at lu.ma/jsqtclmu.
  • Carnival, 1-4 p.m., Western Wayne Elementary, Cambridge City. $30 family pack, $10 wristband.
  • Lasagna dinner, 2-6 p.m., Cambridge City Christian Church, 106 W. Church St., Cambridge City. Psi Iota Xi meal with Moon Pies for $10 adults, $5 kids.
  • Car show, 2 p.m., Hagerstown Elementary School, 299 N. Sycamore St., Hagerstown. $10 per registered vehicle. All makes/models. 765-993-3107
  • Concert, 3 p.m., Civic Hall, 380 Hub Etchison Parkway, Richmond. Richmond Symphony performs music by Copland, Dvorak and Zamora. $25 adult, $15 college students, youth, free. 765-966-5181 or richmondysymphony.org.
  • Live music, 3-9 p.m., American Legion. 25 W. Church St., Cambridge City. Scott Ross, AJ Wetzel and Paul Anguiano.
  • Spaghetti dinner, 4-7 p.m., First United Methodist, 199 S. Perry St., Hagerstown. $12 for baked spaghetti and sides.
  • Pond fire, 5-8 p.m., Glen Miller Park, 2200 E. Main St., Richmond. Stroll around the pond as it’s set on fire. Farmers market vendors, food trucks, family games. Free.
  • Run and pet walk, 5:30 p.m., The Eatery, 406 U.S. 27, Fountain City. Pet parade and costume contest at 5:30 p.m. before 5K glow run at 7. No fee for pre-race events; race $35. fountaincityforward.org.
  • Arts and crafts, 7-8 p.m., The Reid Center, 1004 N. A St., Richmond. Guided art projects for all ages and eclipse and alien plant-themed photo booths. Free. Costumes optional. Co-sponsors include Urban Enterprise Association. 765-966-7618
  • Night parade, 8:15 p.m., Main Street, downtown Hagerstown. hagerstowneclipse.com.
  • Film, 8:15 p.m., The Reid Center, 1004 N. A St., Richmond. “Little Shop of Horrors.” PG-13. During a total eclipse, flower shop worker Seymour discovers a strange new plant that turns his Skid Row community upside down. $10 at reidcenter.org/tickets or at door.

April 7-8

The umbra shadow’s path for the April 8 total solar eclipse is traced across North America. Graphic by NASA
  • Extended hours, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Hayes Arboretum, 801 Elks Road, Richmond. Nature Center and trails open to explore. Free. hayesarb.org.  765-962-3745 

April 8

  • Kids’ activities, 7:30 a.m. -5:30 p.m., Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County, 1717 S. L St., Richmond. Free eclipse fun for members. Sponsors covering annual membership fee through April 12. bgcrichmond.org or 765-962-6922
  • Eclipse activities, 10 a.m., Cope Environmental Center, 1730 Airport Road, Centerville. $20 per vehicle. Reservations: visitcope.org. 765-855-3188
  • Eclipse activities, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Joseph Moore Museum, Earlham College, 801 National Road W., Richmond. Planetarium shows and activities until 1 p.m. Reservations required: lu.ma/u/JMM
  • Eclipse parking, 11 a.m., Centerville-Abington Community Schools, 509 Willow Grove Road, Centerville. $20 per vehicle. Bring seating. Concessions. 765-855-3475 
  • Eclipse lecture, 11 a.m.-noon, Whitewater Hall, IU East, 2325 Chester Blvd., Richmond. Wes Tobin, assistant professor of physics, will speak and announce during viewing of the entire eclipse. Telescopes available. Free. east.iu.edu/events
  • Food tent, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Jefferson Township Trustee’s Office, 37 E. Main St., Hagerstown. HHS band and Tigerettes sell pork chop sandwiches, hamburgers and hot dogs.
  • Pork dinner, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., AMVETS, 110 E. Pearl St., Greens Fork. Smoked pork or ribs, sides and dessert. $10. View eclipse from parking lot.
  • Eclipse tailgate, noon-4 p.m., Model T Museum, 209 N. Eighth St., Richmond. Activities, private tour. NASA livestream shown in theater. $25 for one vehicle and four attendees. Registration closes April 1. www.mtfca.com/museum or 765-373-3106.
  • Eclipse viewing, 1-5 p.m., Glen Miller Park, 2200 E. Main St., Richmond. Bandshell events and Roosevelt Hill viewing site.
  • Eclipse viewing, 2:30-4 p.m., Brickyard Care, 1042 Oak Drive, Richmond. American Red Cross offering blood drive. Live music, arts and crafts. Donation requested for parking, which includes eclipse glasses. Reservations: 937-423-8374
  • Eclipse viewing, Levi and Catharine Coffin State Historic Site, 201 U.S. 27 N., Fountain City. Parking lot blocked off; bring chairs. Interpretive center open for self-guided tours. $2 admission. 765-847-1691

Other Resources

You may find these other eclipse-related resources helpful: