Eclipse 2024: Look to the skies – Check out what the county has to offer

Many people in Ripley County are looking forward to the rare and unique sight of a total eclipse in the sky on Monday, April 8 a little after 3:00 p.m. While that may seem like a little way off – many have been planning for it for months.

The moon will completely hide the sun with the sky falling dark just for three minutes and two seconds. Just as Easter brings the promise of the life and Spring breaks forth each year with the flowers blooming and trees budding, the moon will pass and the sun will shine brightly again – barring a terrible cloudy day!

Local businesses have been learning about this event and both the Batesville and Ripley County Chambers of Commerce have been planning events for the day. They have been in touch with local law enforcement and emergency management and know there will be an influx of people to the area to be a part of the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse.

Schools are closing, many businesses are closing or working on a limited timeline that day. Ripley Publishing Co., Inc. will be open for a limited time that day, as many of the staff will be in the county covering various happenings.

What is there to do? You can and must get eclipse approved glasses to watch the sky movement. Without the right glasses, you will damage your eyes. Those are available at the Ripley County Chamber of Commerce, The Napoleon State Bank, Ripley County Tourism, and many other places.
Some local events that day will be: Welcome to the Dark Side in the town of Sunman; Party in the Dark at the Ripley County Fairgrounds Park in Osgood; Eclipse2024 Batesville Blackout Bash and events at the Versailles State Park.

Welcome to the Dark Side in the town of Sunman will offer Sidewalk Chalk Competition, Kid Crafts, a Scavenger Hunt and more.

Eclipse 2024 Batesville Blackout Bash will take place on Sunday, April 7 at the Bill Gillespie Soccer Park. Then on Monday, April 8, visitors are encouraged to come to the park and view the Eclipse.

Party in the Dark will be held at the Ripley County Fairgrounds Park in Osgood (424 W Craven Street) and is co-sponsored by the Park and the Ripley County Chamber. The party will begin at 11:00 a.m. and run until 7:00 p.m. It will feature the First Due Ultimate Firefighter themed party where foam is sure to be flying! There will be a Corn Hole Tournament, Beer Garden, Child’s ID by local School Resource Officers, local vendors, food trucks and so much more. For a nominal fee of $5.00 each person will also receive a pair of eclipse glasses for the sky viewing.

The Versailles State Park will have many activities that day and encourage people to come early and stay late. Indiana Department of Natural Resources say they are anticipating large crowds at many DNR properties that will include heavy traffic at entry points, and the possibility of some properties reaching capacity and not allowing additional guests to enter. Go early! These properties will have eclipse glasses available for purchase.
The reason some of the events will last far past the actual Eclipse event goes to the intense traffic the area is expecting. The Sheriff’s Office will have all manpower on duty and along with the Indiana Department of Transportation and Indiana State Police urge motorists to plan ahead. They say, “Arrive early, stay put, leave late.”

Eclipse enthusiasts will be flocking to areas of Indiana (Ripley County being one of them) to catch a glimpse of the Eclipse. In a press release they noted that nearly 4 million Hoosiers live within the path of totality where hundreds of people are expected to visit. “Increased traffic and congestion are also expected as residents and tourists alike make their way to viewing destinations,” the release read in part.

You are asked to avoid traveling during the eclipse. You are asked to not stop along roadways or park on the shoulder for viewing. Remember, Indiana is a hands-free state and holding a mobile device is against the law. Of course, do not wear eclipse glasses while driving and turn your headlights on. Pack your patience if you are traveling to and from destinations.

For those just trying to do business or maintain their everyday tasks, you might want to check ahead of time to see if your local courthouse, bank, business is open that day. Some have morning hours, some are closed altogether.

If you are interested in finding out more from the emergency management standpoint there will be a community information meeting on April 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the Southeastern Indiana REMC in Osgood regarding the Eclipse. This event is sponsored by the Ripley County Chamber and is free and open to the public, according to Brandi Merkel, executive director.

Editor’s Note: Watch for more information leading up to April 8 in your local newspapers: Osgood Journal and The Versailles Republican.