Brockville – The weather seems to be looking good for Monday, April 8th as the rare Total Solar Eclipse will occur in the afternoon, with a mix of sun and cloud and a high of 13.
The City of Brockville along with the Aquatarium and the Royal Canadian Air Force are hosting a solar eclipse watching event on Blockhouse Island from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
“We’re excited to bring the community together and welcome visitors to Brockville to view this once-in-a-lifetime event!” said Lesley White, Manager of Business Engagement & Partnerships, City of Brockville.
It will feature special activities, local artisans and vendors, food trucks, a bouncy castle, performances by the Royal Canadian Air Force Pipes & Drums, face painting, a chalk art contest, a telescope viewing area, and more.
Blockhouse will be closed to traffic during this time. There will be free shuttle buses running from the Brockville Shopping Centre and the Brockville Memorial Centre to Blockhouse Island on a continuous loop from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm to alleviate traffic congestion to the site.
Solar eclipse glasses were distributed to the Brockville community in advance of the event at a few locations but all of those locations are now out. Local students will also be receiving pairs through their schools, courtesy of The Royal Canadian Air Force.
Limited quantities of solar eclipse glasses will be available at the event. Solar eclipse glasses are also available for purchase from a few local retailers, including Brockville Home Hardware and Canadian Tire.
The organizing committee is also working on a live stream of the event to be screened at the Brockville Arts Centre.
For more information: http://www.brockville.com/eclips
Schedule of Events:
- 11:00 am: Blockhouse Island opens, and vendors and on-site activities begin
- 12:15 pm: Opening ceremonies in the Railway Tunnel Plaza featuring Matt Wren, Mayor of Brockville, Thomas Harder, Executive Director of the Aquatarium, and Colonel Jacula of The Royal Canadian Air Force
- 12:30 pm to12:50 pm: The Royal Canadian Air Force Pipes and Drums performance
- 1:00 pm: Photos with mascot “Astra” at The Royal Canadian Air Force display
- 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm: The Royal Canadian Air Force Pipes and Drums
- 2:10 pm: Eclipse begins over Brockville
- 3:24 pm: Eclipse Totality over Brockville (to last 2 minutes and 47 seconds)
- 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm: The Royal Canadian Air Force Pipes and Drums in the Railway Tunnel Plaza
- 4:35 pm: Eclipse ends
- 5:00 pm: Vendors and activities close
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