Important information for residents on this coming “Totality in Tupper Lake” event
Dan McClelland
In recent weeks the Town of Tupper Lake and ROOST (Regional Office Of Sustainable Tourism) have been assembling information on preparations for Monday, April 8- what has been billed as “Totality in Tupper.”
The two agencies collaborated on a letter that was sent last week to all Tupper Lake residents and enclosed was a postcard with QR codes detailing eclipse parking and transportation including bus maps around town on one side and a total guide of the event including viewing locations, events and helpful tips. The events schedule can also be downloaded by scanning the QR code.
Much of that information is also included in special pages in this week’s issue.
The following is the text of the preparation letter from the town to all local residents. The letter also holds valuable informations for our many guests this weekend.
The total solar eclipse on the afternoon of Monday, April 8, is expected to draw a significant number of visitors to Tupper Lake and other communities within the “path of totality.” In anticipation of this event, we want to provide important information to enhance your experience of the eclipse and assist you in preparing for the anticipated influx of people to our area.
Traffic
Traffic is anticipated to be heavy and potentially backed up in the hours leading up to and following the eclipse on Monday, April 8. To avoid crowds, consider limiting unnecessary travel such as non-critical appointments and grocery runs. Gas up and have any necessary medications and essentials in advance!
Communications
On Monday, April 8 there is the possibility that increased demand on cell phone towers may impact your service. Emergency services recommend establishing alternative communication methods such as landline or internet phones, designated meeting points, and relying on family and neighbors to check on one another.
Eclipse Glasses
To enjoy the event safely, you must wear special eclipse glasses. These glasses will be available while supplies last at the Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory and Wild Center events on Monday, April 8, 2024. You can also purchase eclipse glasses ahead of time at the Sky Center and area businesses.
Eclipse Timing
In Tupper Lake, the total duration of the April 8, 2024 eclipse will be 2 hours, 23 minutes, and 41 seconds. Totality, the time when the moon completely covers the sun, will last 3 minutes and 33 seconds.
Partial eclipse begins at 2:12:19 p.m.
Full totality begins at 3:24:27 p.m.
Maximum totality at 3:26:13 p.m.
Full totality ends at 3:27:58 p.m.Partial eclipse ends at 4:36:18 p.m.
Events and Activities
While the eclipse is taking place on Monday, local businesses and attractions have been busy preparing a full schedule of events and activities for the days leading up to it. A complete list of events and activities can be found at www.TupperLake.com/eclipse.
Viewing Events
The two primary eclipse viewing locations in Tupper Lake are:
The L.P. Quinn Elementary School, where the Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory will host their main event. This free public event will include NASA livestreams and broadcasts, experiments and activities, a planetarium, guest speakers, food trucks, and more. (See inside pages for more details).
The Wild Center will host an eclipse watch party on their campus, with an array of exciting activities throughout the day, glass-blowing demonstrations, pinhole viewer-making, solar-powered activities, and more. Free advanced registration is required.
TIP: Both of these locations will offer programming in the days leading up to the event. This presents a great opportunity to enjoy the festivities while avoiding the crowds. Visit www.TupperLake.com/eclipse for details.
Transportation & Parking
FREE bus transportation will be provided by the Tupper Lake Central School District with drop-offs for each route at The Tupper Lake Public Library, Tupper Arts Center, L.P. Quinn Elementary School, and The Wild Center.
Schedule: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, April 8, 2024. Parking in the Hosley Avenue area for the events hosted by Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory as well as The Wild Center will be extremely limited and by ticket reservation only.
Designated parking areas will be available throughout the community with bus pickup and portable restrooms available at each.
Blocking of driveways, intersections, etc., will result in the offending vehicle being towed at the owner's expense.
Temporary bus stop signage will be installed to assist in locating designated parking areas and bus stops.
Passengers under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Find bus route details at TupperLake.com/eclipse-bus
Get Involved
The Town of Tupper Lake is looking for volunteers to help be ambassadors for Tupper Lake, sharing information with visitors, helping park cars, etc. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact clerk@townoftupperlake.gov or call (518) 359-9261.