Sunday, May 5, 2024
Unless you’ve been living in the “dark,” you’ve probably heard about the total solar eclipse that will take place Monday, April 8.
But if you didn’t know about this rare and unique opportunity, don’t worry — Visit Granbury’s got you covered.
To get you started, Visit Granbury has created an entire page dedicated to the solar eclipse, which can be found by going online to visitgranbury.com/eclipse.
Visit Granbury Director Tammy Dooley explained that the eclipse page will list shops and lodging partners that are offering special eclipse deals. She added that a section will also be included with links to buy eclipse merchandise.
“We also have a list of watch sites for those who prefer a more solitary experience, where there won’t be an organized event, but a safe, quiet place to watch the eclipse,” she said.
LUNCH IN BLACK
For those who prefer a more collective experience, Granbury’s premier downtown event, called Lunch in Black, will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 8.
The total eclipse of the sun will begin at 12:21 p.m., while totality (the maximum phase of a total eclipse during which the moon’s disk completely covers the sun) will take place at 1:39 p.m. Totality will last for a span of two minutes, seven seconds, ending at 1:41 p.m., while the eclipse itself will end at 3 p.m.
Presented by the Historic Granbury Merchant’s Association, Lunch in Black will include lunch, a bottle of wine with a commemorative label along with a special wine glass, and solar viewing glasses. Live music in the form of the smooth sounds of Jet Blacq will be provided, as well.
Limited seating is available, and tickets are $100 each.
Details for Lunch in Black can be found by going online to visitgranbury.com/event/lunch-in-black/19015.
ECLIPSE CRUISE
Another event of note takes place on the lake, with an eclipse cruise — a one-of-a-kind way to experience the rare event.
Visit Granbury is currently running special pricing on this particular cruise of $65 per person before taxes and fees.
Book the party cruise at 1 p.m. for the perfect time slot to watch the eclipse.
ANC LECTURE/WATCH PARTY
Acton Nature Center will host a lecture series Sunday, April 7, and a watch party for the eclipse Monday, April 8.
Currently, Visit Granbury is still waiting on the details about the watch party since they are coordinating a shuttle service to accommodate overflow parking. When more information is available, individuals can go online to visitgranbury.com/listing/acton-nature-center/6018 for details.
ECLIPSE IMPACT
According to Visit Granbury’s eclipse presentation, the one-of-a-kind event will bring tens of thousands of visitors to the area and will provide residents and guests alike with a profoundly meaningful individual and community experience.
“For cities that are in the path of totality, we hit the jackpot,” Dooley told the Hood County News. “It is a wonderful tourism opportunity.”
SAFETY
To view the eclipse, viewers must wear eclipse glasses to look at the sun directly. These glasses can be ordered from a reliable company like Rainbow Symphony — the same company that NASA uses.
“If ordered early, the glasses can be customized with your logo and information,” Dooley said. “They have lots of premade options too, and they are cheap. In 2017, many people waited too long and there was a backlog.”
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EXPERIENCE
According to VG’s eclipse presentation, the NASA report on the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse found that 22 million adults traveled to a different location to view the eclipse.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Dooley added. “We are thrilled to put Granbury on the edge of totality.”
The next total solar eclipse that will be visible in the U.S. will take place in 20 years — Aug. 23, 2044.
For more information on eclipse events, email Dooley at tdooley@granbury.org or Rhiannon Moline at rcrump@granbury.org.
