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Total Eclipse, 2017
Written By: Donna Rhodes | Issue: 2016/10 - October
It’s the kind of mind-blowing visual event you’ll never forget, and it’s coming to Highlands August 21, 2017.
What is it? A magnificent eclipse of the sun… not a partial eclipse … a rare, total eclipse. While total eclipses occur somewhere on earth every 18 months, the chance of one occurring in the same location happens every 375 years.
The eclipse’s partial phase begins at 1:05:15 P.M., EDT. Totality (when the sun is completely blocked for two minutes, 33 seconds) begins at 2:35:57 P.M., EDT.
Macon County is one of the few places on the planet in which one can experience the entire eclipse.
The best part about having a front row seat in your own hometown is that the Highlands Chamber of Commerce has featured a committee comprised of many groups including The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center, the Highlands Biological Station, The Bascom, Yoga Highlands, the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, and many others to work with Macon County and other groups to promote the event. It’s not just a stand-wait-see affair. It’s an immersion in science, education, feasting, shopping, touring, pampering, and tons of fun for the whole family.
The Chamber and Visitor Center is promoting the tourist factor for the economic boon it will bring local businesses. Planning is already under way for a host of activities celebrating the event. Now is the time for businesses to plan. Several communities along the eclipse path are already hard at work preparing for a huge influx of enthusiastic viewers. There is much to be done and the date will be here before we know it.
Bob Kieltyka of the Highlands Chamber says, “Community enthusiasm is running high and The chamber will be part of a county-wide effort to promote this chance-of-a lifetime event. Stay tuned for news updates as details of planned activities become available.”
No worries if clouds interfere. Cameras can go where human eyes cannot. There will be lots of ways to celebrate this celestial happening for several days running. Tell your out-of-town friends and relatives to book their rooms early for it’s sure to be a sell-out crowd.
