Page 5 - Fall Winter 2023 FINAL FILE FOR WEBSITE USE

Eclipsing Expectations: Houlton Gears Up for the Total

Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024, continued

• Craft Fair coordinated with RSU 29 to provide a shuttle service
• Blackfly Brewfest from larger parking areas around Houlton to downtown
• Howl At the Moon Dueling Pianos and other designated star parks to help decrease
• Solar System & Planetarium Bus Tours vehicular congestion. We kindly ask for your patience
• BioBus hands-on experiments and understanding during this weekend, as traffic may
• Tim Sample, Maine Humorist be heavier than usual. Let’s showcase the warmth and
• 1/2 Marathon and 3.32k race sponsored by S.W. hospitality that define our town, making the eclipse
Collins experience enjoyable for everyone.
• Kids crafts sponsored by S.W. Collins
• Community Dinners at area churches Seize the Moment: Calling All Alums
• Ag Museum Tours The most common question we’re asked is, “Where are
• Guided Star Tour all these people going to stay?” The answer is, anywhere
• Spiritualist Tent they can! History has shown us that visitors are willing to

To kick off your eclipse travel three and four hours to experience this once-in-
experience, don’t a-lifetime event. Whether that means staying in a hotel,
forget to visit www. Airbnb, or in an RV they’d be willing to do that anywhere
maineclipse.com/shop for from Portland to Madawaska and still come be a part of
exclusive merchandise. the excitement that we will have here. That brings up
Commemorate this special an interesting opportunity for locals though. If you have
occasion with our limited- a spare room or hard packed ground where someone
edition poster, challenge can park a camper, you could make some extra income!
coin, and don’t forget, Check out shared space rental websites like AirBnb, VRBO
you’ll need solar eclipse or Hipcamp for more information even if it’s just for one
viewers to be able to watch weekend. This is our time, Houlton alumni! Whether you
the eclipse until we are in reside in town or have moved afar, make plans to be
totality at 3:32pm. ***Do part of this celestial celebration. It’s an opportunity to
not look at the sun without reconnect with old friends, create new memories, and
eye protection! These items witness a cosmic event that will be etched in our hearts
are not just mementos; they are a tangible piece of forever.
Houlton’s history in the making. For more information on the total solar eclipse

Plan Ahead: Traffic Advisory and to purchase exclusive merchandise, visit www.
maineeclipse.com and be sure to follow us on Facebook
As excitement builds, we anticipate an influx of visitors facebook.com/maineeclipse2024. Let’s make history
to Houlton for the eclipse. Thank you Chief DeLucca together, Houlton!
and his staff at the Houlton Police Department for
their hard work and preparation of road closures and Wishing you clear skies and celestial wonders.
emergency management. There will be road closures Johanna Johnston
around downtown on April 8th to encourage one- Executive Director
way directional traffic in anticipation of the increase Southern Aroostook Development Corporation
in pedestrian activity. The Eclipse Committee has

www.houltonalumni.com 5