Planning for Solar Eclipse – April 8, 2024: “Experience Totality in Downtown Gananoque
Gananoque is in the path of a total eclipse of the sun which will occur the afternoon of Monday April 8, 2024. Please see https://eclipse2024.org for more information about this rare occurrence. The Downtown Gananoque BIA and the Town of Gananoque have also created a webpage for the Solar Eclipse, https://www.gananoque.ca/explor.../total-eclipse-of-the-park.
This event will attract many visitors to Gananoque – some day-trippers and others who will make a weekend of it. We want to make sure that these visitors find lots to do in Gananoque during their stay, and we’re asking all the downtown businesses -- especially retail stores and restaurants – to begin planning how to get involved.
Since the weather is unpredictable at that time of year, the Town is planning some indoor activities that will appeal to eclipse enthusiasts – for example free movie showings featuring space documentaries as well as family-oriented feature films with a “sun” theme (e.g. Little Miss Sunshine) throughout the weekend.
The BIA will be purchasing a quantity of disposable eclipse glasses customized for Gananoque. They’ll be distributed free to downtown BIA members who register to participate. Eligible participation will vary according to the type of business but could include:
- Decorating your storefront with an eclipse-related theme
- Hosting an attraction such as live music
- Adding a special eclipse item or feature to your menu/inventory/etc.
- A draw or contest
- Cookie decorating or face painting for kids
- Special eclipse weekend discount
Please use your imagination to come up with a fun way to be part of the excitement. The above website has links to what other communities are planning – perhaps that will be a source of inspiration.
The BIA will be working with the Town and other local organizations to ensure that Gananoque is promoted as a great destination for watching the eclipse. Plans are still evolving but we wanted to give everyone a heads-up so you can begin making plans for your own business. We strongly encourage all retailers and restaurants to be open that weekend, including Eclipse Monday, so that visitors get the full Gananoque experience, and your business will benefit from higher than normal tourist traffic. Note that schools in and near the eclipse path will be closed that day so there will be many families out and about.
As soon as you have your business’s eclipse weekend plan in place, please register for your allocation of free eclipse glasses by sending an email to: THadmin@gananoque.ca with the following information:
- Your business name and address
- Contact name and email address
- How your business plans to celebrate the solar eclipse and enhance the visitor experience during the weekend of April 4-8, 2024.
The same email address can be used to send any questions you may have.
Sunnily,
Your Downtown BIA Board
