Marble Hill, Leopold to host events in celebration of April 8 total eclipse

A weekend full of activities has been planned in Marble Hill and Leopold to celebrate the April 8 total eclipse.

Marble Hill

The first eclipse-related event in Marble Hill will be a free class on how to photograph the eclipse, taught by Wade Dowdy of Grassy. The class will be at 6 p.m. Friday, April 5, at Mayfield Event Center, 209 Mayfield Drive.

Bollinger County Chamber of Commerce president Becky Wiginton, who described Dowdy as "super talented," recommends the class for anyone interested in photography.

Events on Saturday, April 6, include a car show and movie in the park. The day-long car show in Magnolia Park will feature Eastbound and Down: The Ultimate Smokey and the Bandit Tribute, along with Flip Side Auto's Dukes of Hazzard collection. Anyone interested in participating in the car show needs to register by calling the chamber of commerce at (573) 208-5426. The movie in the park, also in Magnolia Park, will be at 8 p.m.

No events have been set for Sunday, April 7. However, Wiginton said she is looking for an organization to host a "music in the park" that day. Anyone interested in hosting an event should contact her at the chamber of commerce.

On Monday, April 8, the day of the eclipse, a "watch" party will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot of Mayfield Event Center and Bollinger County Library. The event will be open to vendors. Totality will begin shortly before 2 p.m. and last four minutes.

Bollinger County Chamber of Commerce is currently seeking sponsors for the Eclipse 2024 in Marble Hill.

"This event offers an opportunity for Bollinger County area businesses and residents to promote themselves to the Bollinger County community and beyond," Wiginton said. "Your donations will be used specifically for the Eclipse 2024."

Sponsorships levels include the following:

• Sun ($1,000): Headlining sponsor with the largest logos and most attention on event advertising.
• Moon ($750): Sponsor's logo will be smaller and not listed at the top of the advertising materials.
• Milkyway ($500): Sponsor's logo will be smaller and not listed at the top of the advertising materials.
• Comet ($250): Sponsor's logo will be smaller and not listed at the top of the advertising materials.
• Star ($100): Sponsor's name or business name will be listed on the advertising materials, but no logo will be used, and it will not be listed on the outdoor banners.
• Asteroid ($50): Sponsor's name or business name will be listed on the advertising materials, but no logo will be used, and it will not be listed on the outdoor banners.

For more information about how to become a sponsor, visit Bollinger County Chamber of Commerce Facebook page or call the chamber at (573) 208-5426.

Leopold

The 2024 Missouri State Knights of Columbus Total Solar Eclipse Celebration at Leopold KC Hall will feature three days filled with activities, including music all weekend by the Steve Seiler Sound System.

• Saturday, April 6: Barbecue competition, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; side by side ride, noon; euchre tournament, 5 p.m.; and live music, 7 to 10 p.m.
• Sunday, April 7: Breakfast at KC Hall, 7:30 to 10 a.m.; 5K run, 11 a.m.; Bloody Mary competition, noon; dart tournament, 1 p.m.; cornhole tournament, 5 p.m.; Texas hold 'em tournament, 7 p.m.; live music, 7 to 10 p.m.; and fireworks display, 8:30 p.m.
• Monday, April 8: Knights of Columbus memorial Mass at St. John's, 10 a.m.; and a "watch" party, which will begin after the Mass. Concessions will be available to purchase, including hot dogs, hamburgers, bratwurst, chicken breast, water, soda, Gatorade and other drinks. (No private coolers permitted.) Also, raffle drawings will be conducted after the eclipse. A person is not required to attend the event in order to win.

Tony Jansen, chairman of the KC eclipse celebration, pointed out that it is the official Knights of Columbus spot in Missouri, and Knights from all over the state are expected to attend. The memorial Mass will honor Knights who have passed away.

Describing Bollinger County as the "hot spot in the Midwest" for eclipse viewing, Jansen said he anticipates a good turnout for the three-day event.

For more information, call Jansen at (573) 768-0294 or Stan Seiler at (573) 238-5646.