Prime View for Eclipse

Written By: - NONE - | Issue: 2017/06 - June

Did you know that the Highlands-Cashiers area will be a prime viewing location on August 21, for one of nature’s most wondrous spectacles?  

The 2017 total solar eclipse has been coined “The Great American Eclipse” because it is the only solar eclipse to appear across the entire continental United States since 1979.  The last solar eclipse was June 20, 1506.  The next total eclipse to pass through our area will not be until October 17, 2153.  This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Cashiers will celebrate this historic occurrence with Eclipse Festival 2017 from Noon until 4:00 P.M. at The Village Green.  This large public viewing event will include Local Eclipse Ambassadors to help with safe viewing and to educate the public about the science of an eclipse.  The Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library will have their solar scope and telescope available and NASA-developed activities will enhance the experience.

Viewing glasses will be available for sale.

“We’re throwing the area’s largest eclipse party,” says Ann Self, Executive Director of The Village Green.  “Friends and family from far and wide are invited to come for this amazing and rare phenomenon.” 

In addition to observing the phases of the eclipse, the public will enjoy a concert by Coconut Groove, a 70’s cover band. 

“Arrive early and bring a lawn chair,” says Self. Commemorative t-shirts will be available for sale, and local vendors will sell delicious food and beverages.

For more information, visit villagegreencashiersnc.com or nceclipse.com.

Highlands celebrates this remarkable event with a full slate of activities – Totally Eclipsed at 4118 is a complete weekend of festivities, August 18 – 21. 

On Friday, August 18, The Johnny Webb Band will kick off the celebration during Friday Night Live at Town Square.

Saturday, August 19, will bring a lineup of  sky-tacular events, including lectures on the early history of NASA, sun and star science, and the solar eclipse. The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust will host a hike to Ravenel Park on Saturday, and The Rotary Club of Highlands’ annual Twilight 5K Run will take place at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founder’s Park. Saturday wraps up with Saturdays on Pine Concert featuring the music of Tea 4 Three.

The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center presents two compelling space-centric lectures on Sunday, August 20. 

Monday, August 21, begins with “Be the Light: Yoga in the Park” and The Bascom hosts an eclipse photography tutorial class.

Totally Eclipsed at 4118 will crescendo with the Total Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. Live music begins at noon as the popular Tyler Kittle Band takes the stage, followed by local favorite Hurricane Creek. 

Several other viewing locations are planned.

For more information on Totally Eclipsed at 4118, visit highlandseclipsefest.com.