The Downtown Bellefontaine Partnership (DBP) is no stranger to big events. From the monthly First Friday experience to seasonal parades, costumed characters and zip lines down Main Street, the town knows how to go all out for a good time.
But that might pale in comparison to what the DBP has planned for the weekend of the once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse, which will cross our area at approximately 3:10 p.m. on Monday, April 8. They’re calling the three days of festivities leading up to the eclipse “Moon Glow over Main Street,” and it’s already packed with activities.
And they’re still willing to add to the fun.
“People keep reaching out wanting to do XYZ,” Andrea Wrocklage, president of the DBP, said. “As long as we can fit them in we’ll do that.”
Even now the event has a full schedule, starting with a shop hop to welcome spring for First Friday on April 5. Things will really get going on Saturday, though, and continue through the eclipse and beyond.
With the expectation of having thousands of visitors converge on Logan County to see the moon block the sun, the DBP has asked stores and restaurants to extend their normal hours throughout the three days. Wrocklage believes most businesses plan to do so, even those that are usually closed on Mondays.
The weekend will include food trucks, a beer garden, DORA (designated outdoor refreshment area), live music interspersed with a DJ, $10 coupon books with downtown store discounts, STEM alley activities and passports for kids (also $10), a merchandise tent, and family friendly competitions in cornhole, MoonPie eating and Hula hooping.
Scheduled performers are Pete Moss and Darcy on Sunday, with Tucker Munz and John Whitehead taking the stage Monday.
Considering the anticipated number of people, we can expect traffic to be a problem, so a few things to keep in mind: Main Street has to remain open out of necessity, so everything will take place on four side roads—East Chillicothe, Court Avenue, East Columbus and South Opera Street. These will be closed from noon on Saturday until Monday evening.
Closely connected to traffic is the issue of parking. With that in mind, the DBP has arranged for shuttle service from parking lots at Southview Park, Logan County Fairgrounds and Bellefontaine High School. How they will handle payment for that has yet to be determined, but there will be a small fee to cover the cost.
An Eventbrite link and an interactive QR code that includes dates and times is now available on the Moon Glow over Main Street Facebook event page. You’ll be able to purchase everything offered there, from t-shirts to glasses to the coupon book for discounts and child passports for activities.
With all they have planned, Wrocklage added, “We’d love to have volunteers and there are opportunities to sponsor activities.” If you want to know more, contact her by emailing [email protected].
More information and a detailed schedule will be available as April draws closer.