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