City of Avon Lake selling RV parking, camping space for 2024 eclipse

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The city of Avon Lake is set to become one of the epicenters of the United States for the total solar eclipse April 8, 2024.

Avon Lake falls right into the path of totality for the eclipse, and an estimated 1 million people will flock to the city to witness such a historic event next spring.

To make space for so many visitors, the Avon Lake Parks and Recreation Department is selling parking and camping spots for RVs and other large vehicles.

The spaces will include complimentary eclipse glasses, as well as 24-hour security surveillance.

Spaces are available at Weiss Field, 33401 Webber Road, and Miller Road Park, 33760 Lake Road.

A watch party will take place at Avon Lake Memorial Stadium, 175 Avon Belden Road, according to Avon Lake Parks and Recreation director Erin Fach.

“We’ve partnered with the Avon Lake City Schools,” Fach said. “Our watch party is going to be at Memorial Stadium.

“This is truly a once in a lifetime event. The last time it was in Ohio was 1806. The next time it’s in Ohio is in 2444.”

Fach said the city has an opportunity to do something truly special.

With so many visitors coming in, the responsibility is on the city to put itself in the best light possible and turn the community into a tourist destination for a weekend, he said.

“I think it’s huge,” Fach said. “I think it’s a great opportunity to really make Avon Lake shine, and really show off everything that Avon Lake has to offer.

“So, welcoming people in, it’s such an exciting time for us.”

Fach spoke on the opportunity that Avon Lake has to showcase the city next spring.

Preparations were underway for well over a year, he said, to make sure Avon Lake is ready for such a massive spike in visitors.

“Everything we’ve learned from communities that have gone through the same experience, is that people will stagger their way in town,” Fach said. “And, hopefully, stay throughout the eclipse.

“We really want to put on a good show.”

The city will provide shuttle access known as the Solar Express around the city for the weekend leading up to the eclipse, Fach said.

“It’s really going to be a loop around the city,” he said. “Folks are going to have the opportunity to get on and off and see some of the shops we have, see some of the activities that we have planned and take advantage of some of the great restaurants and bars and things that we have.”

Opportunities are open for local businesses to get featured on the shuttle route, according to Fach.

Watching party tickets, reserved camping spaces and RV parking spots are on sale.

More information is available at avonlakesolareclipse.com.

Questions may be directed to avonlakeeclipse@avonlake.org.

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