Party in the Path – Total Solar Eclipse

eclipse_series_top_webIn case you haven’t heard, a rare total solar eclipse (TSE) is scheduled to occur on Monday, August 21, 2017. Oregon is considered to be one of the premier viewing states as the TSE makes its path across the nation, and communities across the Willamette Valley are gearing up for amazing parties—and Albany, Oregon invites you to join us for the “Party in the Path.”

The Oregon TSE pathway

ISS006-E-5064_shadowOn the beach in Oregon, just north of Newport, the shadow will first touch land at about 10:15 a.m., and the coast will experience a full minute and fifty seconds of totality.  The actual centerline of the eclipse path will hit solid ground six seconds later, and plunge Lincoln Beach and Depoe Bay into darkness for one minute and 58 seconds!

It will take only two minutes for the shadow to race eastward toward its first date with a large population of folks who will be breathlessly awaiting its arrival. Salem, Dallas, Albany, Corvallis, Lebanon, Philomath, McMinnville, and Woodburn, will experience various lengths of totality based on their varying distances from the centerline.

Albany’s total darkness will last for one minute and 52 seconds, at approximately 10:17 a.m. However, the eclipse itself will take about two hours from start to finish. And it’s during this active phase of the sun obscuring the moon, that you will need eye protection. (More on that later!)

Important informational video from Governor Kate Brown

Watch this video produced by Travel Oregon. It is full of information from our emergency services providers, including Oregon State Patrol, Dept. of Forestry, Oregon Department of Transportation, and others. You may have your questions answered about some of Oregon’s laws in regards to parking for viewing or forest and state parks rules and regulations during our peak fire season. Stay safe!

Join Us in Albany For Viewing Parties

Linn Benton Community College
The Linn-Benton Community College is hosting “Totality Inspired,” a two day Solar Eclipse Festival. Tent camping, star gazing, entertainment and activities Sunday, with breakfast for campers and eclipse viewing Monday. Camping: $40 per site for LBCC students, $100 per site for public, up to 4 per site. Sunday activities only: $5 for non-campers. Eclipse viewing is open and free. Camping reservations and details at linnbenton.edu/eclipse.


Albany Airport American Legion Party
Albany’s American Legion Post 10 is hosting a viewing party at the Albany Regional Airport on August 21st, starting at 6:00 a.m. Ticket-holders will be treated to a hot burrito breakfast, a comparative T-shirt, eclipse viewing glasses, and other amenities. For more information on ticket prices and event details, telephone the Legion at 541-926-0127, or visit their event Facebook page.

Total Eclipse of the Mall
Heritage Mall, Albany’s premier shopping center, is hosting a two-night stay for RV’s and trailers. Your three-day pass includes parking adjacent to the TSE viewing area, up to four pairs of eclipse viewing glasses, live music concerts in the evenings, exclusive shopping discounts, Fun Zone activities for children, and more. For ticket sales and more information, telephone 541-967-8238 or visit Heritage Mall’s Eclipse website.

Scio “Sol Wink Out” celebration
The covered bridge capital of the west, Scio is putting together a great three day celebration. There are multiple campsite opportunities, activities and fun events that will run from August 18th to the 22nd. There’s a dinner and dance on Saturday the 19th, featuring vintage rock and bluegrass, and a Chicken Dinner and Dance on Sunday the 20th, featuring live western swing music.

Great Solar Eclipse connections

For other information about viewing sites and events taking place across Oregon, visit Travel Oregon’s solar eclipse web page for the most up-to-date happenings.

Eclipse Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where can I obtain lodging in Albany?
A: Over a year ago, when it became widely know that Oregon is prime viewing territory, hotel rooms were snapped up. State parks and other camping venues were also reserved. It is almost impossible to find RV camping and parking across the Valley, but we do have a few recommendations:Danielson_beadsTSE20021204

  • Camp and RV sites:
    Lebanon, Oregon has dry campsites with limited RV hook-ups. For more information, contact Ronn Passmore at 541-990-0240 or email Ronn. The Lebanon Chamber of Commerce is also accepting informational calls at 541-258-7164. Benton County: Benton County is providing 150 tent sites & 12 dry RV sites at Adair County Park. For more information visit their website.
    Albany, OR: Mighty Oaks Children’s Therapy 
    is opening up their grounds at 3615 Spicer Drive SE for dry tent camping. You must make a reservation. Telephone 541-967-7551. Linn County Fair & Expo Center has full RV hook-up sites. Please visit the RV Booking site operated by the fairgrounds for more information.
  • Other campsite information may be found on our “where to stay” web page.
  • Hotels:
    Although most of our Albany area hotels are reporting there are no vacancies for the eclipse, there may be cancellations, so don’t despair. Connect to local lodging properties on our hotel web page to find their contact information.
  • Albany area RV Parks:
  • Digital concierge:
    • Air BnB lists properties in the local Albany, Oregon vicinity. Some are within town, some in the countryside, and range from a single room to an entire house or cottage. Check it out.

Q: What other communities close to Albany are hosting events?
A: 
The list is quite extensive, as many of the prime viewing areas (regions where the view is unobstructed by trees and buildings) have planned to make an all-out celebration of the TSE. The best sources for the Willamette Valley are:

  • eclips7Travel Salem: Our tourism partners at Travel Salem have established a clearinghouse for all TSE related events and information. Need more thoughts on where to stay? Want to know where to find an amazing TSE morning brunch? And what about a cocktail after a hard day of moon watching? It’s all at Travel Salem’s TSE Headquarters.

  • Travel Oregon: The Oregon Tourism Commission, DBA Travel Oregon (TO) and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) have partnered to help residents and visitors prepare for the TSE experience. TO is producing an Eclipse Guidebook with helpful tips and resources, which will include a pair of eclipse viewing glasses. The guide is set to release in early April. Visit Travel Oregon’s website for more TSE information and connections.
  • Visit Corvallis: The folks at Visit Corvallis are helping to spread the word about TSE related events via their online calendar. If you have news that is TSE-related, visit their website for more information on how to submit your event.
  • City of Lebanon: Cheadle Lake Park will be the site of four-days of celebration with train excursions, a concert, food vendors, and TSE presentations by educators. The event is still in the planning stages so be sure to check back for more information as the summer approaches.
  • Historic Brownsville: Beautiful Historic Brownsville is home to the annual Bi-Mart Willamette Country Music Festival, featuring some of the biggest artists in country music. The festival is schedule over the weekend prior to the eclipse, and since the eclipse occurs on Monday morning following the festival’s final show, the WCMF organizers have planned a special extended campout for festival-goers, featuring an “Eclipse Breakfast.” The fee is $25 and you receive a pair of eclipse-viewing glasses, a fireman’s breakfast, and will be treated to music and entertainment. Contact the WCMF organizers for more information and to reserve your ticket. Telephone: 541-345-9263 or visit the WCMF website.
  • Sweet Home: The City of Sweet Home is sponsoring a “Solar Eclipse 3.5 Mile Run.” All ages are welcome to participate. Strollers are welcome, but we ask that pets remain at home. If you are unable to participate in person, we encourage you to join the “Virtual Run.” These simultaneous race events are $25, and include a commemorative medal, chip-timed results, event race bibs, solar eclipse glasses, and Sun Tea and Moon Pies at the finish line! Online registration is available. For more information telephone 541-367-5128.

Q: Where can I find out scientific information for the family?
A: 
We think the following are perfect for educational materials on eclipses, as well as other resources for helping children learn more about this rare Oregon TSE:

  • vin_eclipse4Oregon Museum of Science and Industry: The OMSI website hosts an interactive Google map for the eclipse. Connect to the map.
  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA): Wow! NASA has really outdone themselves on their special 2017 TSE website. A full countdown clock, images, facts, eye safety, and just about everything you need science-wise is available right here.

We’ll be updating this page regularly,  so check back if you don’t see what you’re looking for. Information on Albany’s TSE “Party in the Path” will also be placed on our featured events calendar and in our blogroll. Stay tuned for information on what local restaurants and shops will offer TSE specials, and for collectable merchandise. We hope to see you in Historic Albany for our viewing party.

Q: Are there vineyards in the area that I can visit for wine and eclipse fun?
A: 
Absolutely! You can count on the Willamette Valley (the 2016 Wine Enthusiast #1 Wine Destination Region in the world) for sublime views and amazing varietals. We will update the list below, as information becomes available:

Winery and vineyard special eclipse events

Brooks Winery Eclipse Event
August 20 & 21
21101 SE Cherry Blossom Lane, Amity, OR 97101
503-435-1278
www.brookswine.com/eclipse

Coria Estates ~ 2017 Solar Eclipse Festival
August 21
8252 Redstone Ave. SE, Salem, Oregon 97306
503-363-0525
www.coriaestates.com

Eola Hills Wine Cellars
August 19 & 21
501 S. Pacific Hwy 99W, Rickreall, OR 97371
503-623-2405 or 800-291-6730
www.eolahillswinery.com

Left Coast Vineyard Stroll Tasting Experience
August 19 & 20
4225 N Pacific Hwy. 99W, Salem, OR 97371
503-831-4916
www.leftcoastcellars.com/events

Solar Eclipse Open House Weekend ~ Willamette Valley Vineyards
August 19 & 20
8800 Enchanted Way, Turner, OR 97392
503-588-9463
www.wvv.com

St. Innocent Winery ~ Eclipse Extravaganza
August 21
Temperance Hill Vineyard
6020 Bethel Heights Rd. NW, Salem, OR 97304
503-378-1526
www.stinnocentwine.com

Vineyard Eclipse Party at Left Coast Cellars
August 21
4225 N Pacific Hwy. 99W, Salem, OR 97371
503-831-4916
www.leftcoastcellars.com/events

16 Comments on “Party in the Path – Total Solar Eclipse

  1. Hello! We are coming up from Humboldt County to see the eclipse. We will be staying in Eugene and driving up to Albany for viewing. Is there a mailing list for your viewing event that we could join? We are unfamiliar with the area and can use all the good information we can get! Thank you!

  2. Hello! We are also staying in Eugene and driving up very early Monday morning. I realize traffic will be bad, but I plan on leaving our hotel around 4AM. I sure hope that’s enough time. I am most worried about finding a place to park our car…willing to pay for parking somewhere, anywhere. We plan on driving back home right after. Excited, but getting worried! 🙂

  3. Thanks for the help, Maddie! Are there any more details on the party in the path event being held in Albany? We’re wondering about parking and if we will need tickets, etc. Thanks again!

    • Hi Lisa, we were told awhile back that the Albany American Legion was organizing a viewing party here in Albany. So far, we have not received any more details, but hope to have more for you soon. Thank you for being so patient.

    • I forgot to mention that the Linn-Benton Community College is having an eclipse festival! It’s free and will be held at the Russell Tripp Performance Center. Details can be found at linn-benton.edu.eclipse

  4. I am staying in Albany OR, because you were cheaper than Salem, but close by. Dreaded needing to drive up to Salem, so I’m glad you are planning something. Not driving a long distance that day is sounding smarter and smarter. Look forward to visiting your city. I’ve even convinced some friends to join me.
    Tell the carousel people, they are one of the reasons your city appealed to me. Please be open that weekend, I want to see what your doing.

    • Hi Lisa, you might want to check with the Carousel Museum to spare any disappointment. Please contact them at (541) 791-3340. Have a safe drive.

  5. Do you have the eclipse glasses? If so, how much are they?

    • Hi Diane, We do not. You might try purchasing them online from any number of sources. However, eye safety is not to be underestimated. NASA has recommendations for purchasing the right type of glasses. If you read those safety guidelines, you could even purchase from Amazon or another online retailer. Here is the link to the NASA page: https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/safety Have a great eclipse experience!

  6. I bought solar eclipse viewing glasses (actually made of cardboard with special viewing film inserts) at BiMart. They ran out last week (July 19) but were expecting more. The parumbra begins at 9 a.m., totality about 10:15, and the final shadow leaves just after 11:30. The protective glasses are extremely important during the entire process.

    • Thank you for your reminder on safety. We are giving out two pairs of free eclipse viewing glasses to each new subscriber to our monthly newsletter. You may stop in and pick them up at our office, 110 3rd Ave SE. If you need more than two pairs, we are selling for cost at $2 each additional pair. (While supplies last!)

  7. We are driving up from Merlin/Rogue River super-early Monday 8/21 morning. What’s the best place in Albany to go for day-of eclipse events?

    • Hi David, While we do not recommend driving the day of (major traffic jams!) there are several major eclipse viewing parties in Albany. They are listed on this page: The Linn-Benton Community College (free public viewing), the Infinite Air Center – Albany Airport party (tickets required), and the Heritage Mall event (tickets required). The City of Albany has also opened some parks to the public. Check their website at cityofalbany.net/eclipse2017 for more public viewing areas. Drive safe and welcome to our town.

  8. I am staying in Eugene on Aug 20. Can someone let me know what time I start in morning so I am in Albany and avoid congested freeway. Also, where can I park in Albany so I can see eclipse? I just need parking. Do you think parking in shopping complex near I5 is good idea or go remote or pay parking close to I5. I am open for all options. I also have to drive back to SFO, CA just after the eclipse so looking for tips.

    • Hi Danny,

      We truly do not recommend driving the day of the eclipse. We have been alerted by the Oregon Department of Transportation to expect 500,000 visitors between Salem and Corvallis on I-5. However, if you find yourself on the road, please make sure to pack emergency supplies of medications, food, water, cell phone charger, toiletries, etc. in case you are stuck in non-moving traffic jams on the freeway. (You are not allowed to park on the freeway unless your vehicle is in a wreck or is experiencing mechanical difficulties.) As to parking to view the eclipse, you can use Albany City Parks, possibly the Heritage Shopping Mall, Linn-Benton Community College, and other public spaces. I would suggest a rest area, but those will no doubt be filed to capacity. You are allowed to be at an Oregon rest area for no more than 12-hours.

      You can sign up for traffic alerts through the City of Albany at: http://www.cityofalbany.net/eclipse2017

      Also use the department of transportation’s real time app, http://www.TripCheck.com This will give you an idea of the magnitude of the traffic and road conditions both entering and leaving the area of totality. Safe driving and welcome to Oregon!

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