The Total Solar Eclipse is rapidly approaching. It will occur on Monday, August 21 just in time to get in one last summer vacation. Right now, many hotels and campsites within the path of totality are full but it is always a good idea to call and check as there may be cancellations. You can also check out hotels within a 30-60 minute drive from where you plan on viewing the eclipse. If you are planning to make the trip to one of the Nebraska communities that fall within the path of totality, you might want to check out some of the awesome events going on during the eclipse weekend.
    Experts are predicting that Nebraska will receive between 116,000 and 466,000 visitors to the state to witness this rare event. Many people think this is a conservative number and there will actually be more due to the probability of clear skies in Nebraska. With special guests and prominent scientists coming from all over the country to experience this once in a lifetime occurrence, Nebraska is the best place to be.
    “This is an exciting time for Nebraska. Communities across the state have been working hard to ensure every visitor has an unforgettable eclipse experience. We hope that each new visitor will see how special Nebraska is.” said John Ricks, Executive Director at the Nebraska Tourism Commission.
    The Total Solar Eclipse will be a day to remember. Here is a list of just some of the many Nebraska communities that are putting on special events the weekend leading up to the eclipse.
Alliance
    Carhenge isn’t the only thing that makes Alliance a unique place to visit; this town is also right in the middle of the eclipse path giving this town a full 2 minutes and 30 seconds of totality. To celebrate this, the people of Alliance are putting on events and activities all weekend long. There will be a pop up planetarium as well as educational seminars from Astronomers and researchers. Experience a celebration of Native American culture at the Native American Pow Wow. Listen to music in downtown Alliance. Participate in a Cowboy Fast Draw competition at Dobby’s Frontier Town. Come Monday, be ready to “Watch the Sun go Dark” at either Carhenge, Laing Lake Park or the Airport Rodeo Grounds.* To find out more details about the events going on in Alliance, visit their eclipse website.
 

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