April 8th is fast approaching and the total solar eclipse has been a topic of conversation for over a year with many nationwide, as well as with Wacoans. Waco is a hot spot destination for the eclipse, and the city is expecting 100,000+ additional people to visit over the weekend into Monday, April 8th. Waco will experience 4 minutes, 13 seconds of totality during the eclipse which is causing quite a buzz and excitement!
The main event will be happening at McLane Stadium on Monday, Eclipse Over Texas. The event will feature telescopes, food trucks, and lots of fun for the family. Astronomers will be onsite from Lowell Observatory and Baylor University. Solar glasses are included with the admission fee of $20; more details can be found here.
Here are some tips to keep in mind as we approach the final count down.
- Take solar eclipse day off and make a fun weekend out of this once in a lifetime event! There are plenty of fun things to do around town if you want to get the family out and about or get to the store now and hunker down in your neighborhood or with friends and family. No matter your preference, there likely won’t be a lot of work happening that day.
- Watch the weather and stay flexible. Again, it’s springtime in Texas, so watch the weather and keep watching the weather.
- Use the restroom before things get going. This means pee before you leave the house, if you decide to attend an event. Don’t wait until minutes before totality to start searching for a bathroom!
- Don’t forget your sunscreen! You may even want to bring an umbrella for some welcome shade. If you see others who forgot theirs, remember that sharing is caring.
- Bring snacks and drinks. If your kids are anything like mine, we can’t attend practice without one of my kids starving and acting like we didn’t eat a meal within the last hour. You can’t have too many, so pack generously.
- Record your memories. This is a once in a lifetime event that you are going to be able to share with your kids and grandkids. It’s going to be over quickly and it’s best to record your feelings immediately afterwards. Take notes, voice-record, or make a video. You won’t regret it and your future self will thank you.
- Don’t photograph the eclipse. There will be plenty of professional photos available on social media to save. Enjoy the moment with those around you.
Additional information and tips can be found here! We’d love to see how you and your family choose to learn about the solar eclipse and celebrate the day – so let us know in the comments below and be sure to tag @WacoMoms.
