One Of The Best Places To Watch ‘The Great American Eclipse’ Attracts A Crowd
Some people are going to extremes to watch what is being called “The great American Eclipse” on Monday, Aug. 21.
One of those people is Ramona Cox, a private pilot who has flown her private plane into a field in Madras, Oregon, which is directly into the path of the first full eclipse in the USA in 99 years.
And she’s hardly alone.
“They are expecting 400 private planes to come in here,” said Cox, who arrived on Saturday morning. “And 100,000 visitors to watch the eclipse.”
In true American style, local enterprisers are hardly missing this opportunity to cash in on this rare occurrence when the moon completely blocks out the sun for about two minutes on Monday, creating total darkness in what is normally the morning (in the case of Madras) or afternoon (as is the case in other parts of America as the eclipse moves from west to east.
At the Madras Municipal Airport, vendors are selling food, merchandise and, of course, alcohol. While the eclipse in Madras starts at 9 in the morning with the full eclipse taking place at 10:19, the Cox said the real reason pilots like her are flocking to the remote town is for the party that will be happening when things return to normal.
“It’s an event, a happening,” she said. “Pilots have been excited about this for a long time. We’re going to make the most of it!”
A whole event is taking place, too. Oregon Solarfest is a three-day festival starting Saturday with beer (good Oregon craft beer, it should be pointed out), more than 20 bands, even hot air balloons. Tickets are $20 a day.
Of course, this is just one of many solar viewing party locations being set up largely at remote locations around the country. In a way, it’s like the Kentucky Derby – a lot of time, effort and money being spent for two minutes of action.
But, just like the Derby, it’s really two minutes to set up an entire day of fun and partying.
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